Two Fat Ladies stars Clarissa Dickson Wright and Jennifer Paterson have arrived in Sydney to launch their third series on Australia's ABC TV network - and fans have been mobbing them in the street.

"People scream and mob them on their promotional tours, and the ABC announced their arrival on their national news bulletins. It's incredible," said the BBC Two series producer, Patricia Llewellyn.

Sydney Opera House: Playing host to the Ladies

On Friday the duo will be guests of honour at the celebrations for Sydney Opera House's 25th anniversary, where they will cut an official birthday cake in the shape of the waterside landmark.

"It shows their huge appeal, and the ladies are thrilled and delighted," added Ms Llewellyn.

Their third series is currently running on BBC Two, and has built up a growing cult following.

Viewers switch on to watch the ladies ride around Britain on a motorbike, cook lavish meals and decry the tastes of vegetarians and teetotallers.

As well as Australia, the show is now being seen in the US, Japan, Finland, South Africa and Israel.

The pair has already undertaken two tours of the US, where the series has been a success for the cable service The Food Network.

"They've had a big reception in America as well, though not quite as big as the one in Australia," said a spokeswoman for the show's producers Optomen Television.

Ms Dickson Wright - a former barrister and bookshop owner - puts their success down to their obvious love of food.

"People feel we've given them a licence to do whatever they like - eat beef and cream and enjoy their food again," she said.