Josh Peck Shares How His 3 Sons Inspired Him to Host New Food Network Competition: ‘I Love These Shows’ (Exclusive)

**Josh Peck Embraces the Sweet Side of Competition in New Food Network Show**

Josh Peck, the beloved Nickelodeon star, has stepped into the culinary world as the host of the Food Network’s latest competition series, *Sweet Deceit*. The show, which challenges teams to identify cakes that mimic everyday items, has captivated Peck, who has always enjoyed culinary throwdowns alongside his family.

In an interview with *PEOPLE*, Peck explained how his own family’s viewing habits inspired his decision to host the show. The actor and father of three shared that he loves participating in lively discussions about cooking competitions, especially with his children Max, Shai, and Meyer. “We literally watch food competition shows and have our own little couch debates about who’s going to win and who’s got the advantage,” he remarked, highlighting the fun of engaging with his young family through such entertaining formats.

*Sweet Deceit*, which offers prizes of up to £12,000, features teams of three tasked with spotting hyper-realistic cakes cleverly disguised among everyday objects. Peck, who described himself as “a bit of a layman” in the realm of baking artistry, has found his experiences on set to be enlightening. “I’ve been known to follow the back of a chocolate chip bag recipe pretty on the dot and make some killer cookies,” he chuckled.

Working closely with the talented bakers, including recognised names like Jose Barajas and Ashley Holt, has deepened his admiration for their craft. “If I didn’t have a giant amount of respect for bakers and what they do beforehand, I have it times 10 now because they’re insane,” he stated, recognising the meticulous effort and creativity that goes into each cake, which, while stunning, ultimately serves a fleeting purpose.

Peck pointed out the ephemeral nature of the bakers’ creations. “What impressed me is how much love and care and skill they put into something that is so temporary,” he observed. “In fact, it’s about to be completely destroyed, and yet it’s okay. It’s a part of it for them.” Each challenge, according to Peck, showcased the bakers’ ability to rise and deliver the unexpectedly delightful.

While Peck embraced his new role, he admitted he struggled with the game aspect, playfully lamenting, “I’m so ashamed at how bad I am at this game.” His attempts to master the art of detecting camouflaged cakes left him feeling less than confident by the end of filming. “By the end of it, I was about 50/50, and I feel like my percentages should have been better,” he joked.

However, the filming did not go without its challenges. Peck recounted an incident dubbed a “mini cake emergency,” when a cake began to melt amidst filming. “Of course, these amazing cakes and sweets are temperature dependent,” he explained, fearing the melting might reveal the secret behind the challenge. Fortunately, the cake held together long enough to complete the episode, humourously falling apart just at the last second.

Peck, at 39, relished the freedom offered by his hosting role. “They were like, ‘You can freestyle this,’” he recalled, stating that he didn’t have to memorise lines. “You had me at free. I’m in,” he added, expressing his enjoyment in being able to bring his own personality to the show rather than playing a character.

When discussing his dessert favourites, Peck mentioned an affinity for ice cream cake, citing the delightful contrast of a warm cookie paired with cool ice cream. He also shared his love for healthy treats, particularly Fruit Riot’s frozen sour candy-coated fruit, stressing the importance of finding a balance between indulgence and health.

Reflecting on his childhood, he fondly remembered the Mister Softee ice cream trucks as a highlight of his youth. Interestingly, Peck revealed that there’s a truck in Camarillo, California, that even features an ice cream named after him, a testament to his enduring love for the nostalgic frozen treat.

*Sweet Deceit* premiered on October 5, 2023, with back-to-back episodes airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT on the Food Network, and it became available for streaming the following day on HBO Max. Peck’s journey as a host promises not only delicious entertainment but also a deeper appreciation for the intricate artistry behind the world of baking.