New Harry Ramsden’s chief executive Marija Simovic is determined to return the famous fish and chip chain back to its former glory after taking part in an undercover TV probe into how the firm operates.

Marija,39, donned a heavy disguise and false name for a-warts-n-all look at the Ramsden chain, which includes the world’s largest fish and chip shop at Guiseley.

Her experiences will be aired tonight as part of the Channel 4 programme Undercover Boss.

As new recruit ‘Millie Percy’, Marija took on a range of trainee roles at several of the 34 Ramsden restaurants and takeaways, only revealing her true identity at the end of the programme.

After previously turning round the Fishworks restaurant chain Australian-born Marija has been challenged to do the same by Harry Ramsden’s new owner – Asian multi-millionaire food entrepreneur, Ranjit Boparan.

Marija said: “Harry’s is a British institution and I’m determined to put it back on the map. It was nerve-wracking going undercover but the whole experience has opened my eyes to exactly what needs to be done.

“As a result, we’re hard at work refreshing the menu and the stores, centred around what our customers tell us keeps them coming back.

“It’s not going to be easy. But what impressed me the most was our workforce, many of whom have been with Harry’s for decades”.

Harry Ramsden started selling fish and chips from a wooden hut in Guiseley in 1928. The new owner has plans for 100 more stores in the UK as well as taking British fish and chips to India and China.