Nigella's 'cash for recipes'

With backhanders and bitter recriminations, the allegations are more suited to the Machiavellian world once inhabited by her father.

But self-styled Domestic Goddess Nigella Lawson - daughter of former Chancellor of the Exchequer Nigel Lawson - has discovered that TV cookery can be just as cut-throat as politics after becoming embroiled in 'cash for recipes' claims.

The celebrity chef has been accused of handing wads of cash to friends and associates in exchange for help in dreaming up mouth-watering recipes for her shows.

While there is no suggestion the Domestic Goddess is doing anything wrong - indeed, many would applaud such an approach - the claims have certainly raised eyebrows in the once genteel world of TV cookery.

One recipient of Nigella's generosity is said to be Skye Gyngell, daughter of the late TVam boss Bruce Gyngell and a chef herself.

It has been claimed she was seen wandering around at a party recently with a bag 'stuffed with cash' which Nigella had given her in exchange for ten recipes for a new television show.

For her part, Nigella, 42, has denied the claims and her spokesman said any money paid would have been for help with testing and developing recipes.

Other TV chefs have denied they pay for recipes - but, like Nigella, admit some people may be paid for their opinions. Long-reigning queen of the kitchen Delia Smith pays only for people to test her recipes, according to her agent.

A spokesman for Food and Drink presenter Antony Worrall Thompson said: "All his recipes are the result of his own creativity."

Lap it up at the Pupaccino bar