STARS WHO FACE HEAT!
Chips are down for celebrity TV cooks

Look out for celebs boiling over as a new series of Hell's Kitchen hits the screens tomorrow night.

Fiery chef Marco Pierre White is to give them a real grilling.

Marco, 45, vowed: "I want to see tears."

The contestants are: Ex-Blue singer Lee Ryan, soap star Adele Silva, model Abigail Clancy, ex-boxer Barry McGuigan, actress Kelly LeBrock, ex-editor Rosie Boycott, TV presenters Anneka Rice and Brian Dowling, singer Paul Young and comic Jim Davidson.

The People, 02/09/07.

Marco: I'll batter celeb chefs

Chef Marco Pierre White has threatened to stick the knife into stars who fall foul of him in Hell's Kitchen.

The fiery celebrity chef, who famously reduced Gordon Ramsay to tears, laid down the law as he prepared to open the eaterie for ITV cameras tomorrow.

Over the next two weeks, 10 celebrities, including WAG Abigail Clancy, former TV presenter Anneka Rice and comedian Jim Davidson, will be whipped into shape by Marco.

And the three-times married star was quick to let the stars know he won't stand any slackers.

He said: "At the beginning I'll tell the contestants the No1 rule is that I'm the boss and what I say goes.

"There is no time for chit chat. If chefs are going to talk then it is only about the job. I am not there to be their friend. They might be celebrities outside the kitchen but the minute they walk into the kitchen they are not a celebrity. I don't care who they are. I have a job to do."

Tough-talking Marco added: "When I was at school the naughty boys had to sit at the headmaster's table at lunchtime. Hell's Kitchen will be like that. If anyone starts to talk or drift they will have to come and work next to me on my table." ...

Full article, Sunday Mirror, 02/09/07.

Very disappointing. Marco Pierre White may have been a brilliant chef but he does not make for good TV. :thumbsdown:

I'm hoping it may 'warm-up' as a series, if you know what I mean.

But, it will be an uphill struggle as they are competing with the memory of Gordon Ramsay on this series.

Lee quits TV kitchen
By Mark Jefferies

The former boyband star quit the ITV1 show after the chef laid into him for his constant whining and a row with fellow contestant Jim Davidson.

A source said: "Lee was arguing with his team and then clashed with Marco so he decided enough was enough."

Lee exploded after Jim, who was captain of a team tasked with making a dish in half an hour, told him to stop making a sauce.

Earlier Lee, 24, moaned about having to gut a langoustine, saying: "I am down with vegetables but I ain't killing things."

He then complained about having to chop food, saying: "I play piano and guitar and I'm not having my fingers f***ed."

In the confessional Lee had said: "This isn't my job it's a TV programme.

"I am not 100 per cent enjoying it. The best bit of my day is when people leave me the f**k alone."

Mirror, 06/09/07.

In fact Lee took umbrage with Marco for the chef using the phrase "Pikey's Supper" Lee claims to have many friends in the "travelling community" and he suggested the word "pikey" was a derogatory term for such people and therefore a form of racism.
Marco disputed this and after a few words were exchanged he told Lee to leave.

Lee was right. It is used in that context & it is offensive.

Hell's Kitchen rapped for 'racist' remark

Hell's Kitchen has fallen foul of the Commission for Racial Equality after Marco Pierre White used the term 'pikey' on Thursday night's show.

The incident led to former Blue star Lee Ryan quitting the show, after he took offence to White's language and a row broke out.

"It's not a nice word to say," he told White. "I know my friends don't like being called pikeys. It's a derogatory term to a traveller or gypsy roamers."

A spokesman for the Commission told The Sun that the chef's use of the term was "distasteful".

"These comments have caused much offence," he said. "For some reason, people think it acceptable to talk about the gypsy and Irish traveller community in this way."

“If these comments were about black people, there would be widespread condemnation, yet it seems most people are quite happy to let this pass by."

An ITV spokeswoman said that clear warnings as to the use of language had been given at the start of the show and the programme highlighted the fact that the term was offensive.

“The use of the word was clearly, forcefully and robustly challenged by one of the contestants," the spokeswoman told the paper.

“In this context, we feel that the broadcast of the word was responsible and justified. In addition, all the cast of Hell’s Kitchen have been briefed that the use of this word is unacceptable.”

What's on TV, 08/09/07.

Hell's Kitchen: Rosie gets the sack!

Journalist Rosie Boycott became the first trainee chef to be sacked from Hell's Kitchen on Thursday night.

Despite being popular with her fellow celebrity trainees and head chef Marco Pierre White, viewers voted for Rosie to get the chop.

Speaking to host Angus Deayton after she'd said her goodbyes, the former editor of The Independent admitted she'd enjoyed her experience in the Kitchen.

She said: "I learned to make puddings, be adventurous with food and respect food. Also, I made a whole load of friends.

"Marco's a great team leader, he's very inspirational. The boys love him too."

Boycott found herself in the final two alongside Emmerdale actress Adele Silva who plays the soap's Kelly Windsor. Before the announcement was made, Adele said repeatedly, "It's me, it's me."

When Angus announced her name, Rosie was immediately showered in hugs by the remaining contestants.

What's on TV, 07/09/07.

Hell's Kitchen: It's burns night!

Hell's Kitchen contestant Barry McGuigan was left reeling on Friday after burning himself on a hot pan.

The accident happened while the former boxer's family were dining in the restaurant, and was described by McGuigan as "the worst pain I have ever felt".

"I am a 46-year-old who spent 22 years as a fighter and I have suffered concussion, broken ribs and a broken hand," he said later.

"But this was the worst pain ever. My hand felt like it stuck to the saucepan."

Abbey, Kelly, Jim and Paul also suffered burns during their hectic evening in the kitchen.

McGuigan remains second favourite to win the show, with Brian Dowling the favourite. Another celebrity will be send packing on Saturday evening.

What's on TV, 07/09/07.

HELL'S Kitchen reject Lee Ryan has served up a Michelin three-starred rant against TV chef Marco Pierre White.

The singer—who got the chop from the hit ITV1 show—branded him an "arrogant t***" who used rudeness and bullying to boost his ego ...

... Lee, who grew up in Plumstead, south-east London, among families with traveller backgrounds, said: "Pikey is a bullying word because it puts people down. It's important to make a show of bullies like I did with Marco."

The ex-Blue star also insists the show made it look like he'd walked out after rowing with Marco in his office.

He said: "I got kicked out but it was edited to make it look the other way.

"They left out the bit where I asked Marco, ‘Do you want me off the show?' and he said, ‘Yes'." ...

... Lee also slated fellow contestant Jim Davidson, 53, for being homophobic towards gay TV presenter Brian Dowling.

The comic wondered if Brian was put in charge of puddings because he was gay. "Jim also asked Brian whether he was sleeping in the girls' room. Brian's the nicest guy on the show and I know he cried a couple of times because of the hassle he was getting."

Lee also revealed Davidson, who has secretly threatened to quit, was hauled before show bosses for making racist jokes off camera. "They were a bit near the mark and the producers gave him a right b******ing for that." ...

Full article, NOTW, 09/09/07.

Stars' outrage over Abbey's £100K celery
By Jenna Sloan

Sexpot Abbey Clancy has left her Hell's Kitchen co - stars steaming after being paid £100,000 to star in the reality show.

The glamour model, 21, is earning more than TWICE as much as many of the other cookery novices.

And even rival babe and Emmerdale star Adele Silva is getting a salary that's £25,000 less than Abbey.

The blonde beauty, who dates lanky Liverpool and England soccer striker Peter Crouch, is the bookies' favourite to win the ITV1 show.

But the WAG's huge pay cheque has still caused behind-the-scenes friction.

An insider said: "Several of the other contestants are furious that Abbey is getting so much money.

"They all have years of television experience and feel she's just famous for being a footballer's girlfriend."

The People can reveal Abbey's pay packet is a whopping four times bigger than Big Brother winner Brian Dowling's modest £25,000 fee.

And she's pulling in more than three times TV presenter Anneka Rice's £30,000.

Actress Kelly LeBrock, 45 - who made her name the 1984 romcom The Woman In Red, with Gene Wilder - is on half Abbey's fee at £50,000. Our source added: "Abbey and Adele Silva are the prettiest girls in the show.

"It's hoped they can add some glamour, just as Jennifer Ellison did when she won the first series in 2004.

"Some of the other contestants may have years of experience in TV, music and film but bosses believe Abbey is a more up-to-date celebrity who can pull in younger viewers.

"Telly bosses are desperate to appeal to an under-30s audience.

"People like Jim Davidson and Paul Young all have years of success behind them, but are no longer at the peak of their fame."

Hell's Kitchen started last Monday. New host Marco Pierre White, who has taken over from Gordon Ramsay, is being paid £200,000.

The People, 09/09/07.

A couple of comments: Firstly I saw the footage and it was perfectly obvious Lee was told to leave, it did not look in the least like he had quit. Secondly, I know that I shouldn't be surprised but the money these people are being paid is ridiculous. I don't particularly care if some are being paid more than others, but £25,000 for a maximum of two weeks work is a joke...plus of course they are basically on the show to boost their profiles to sell the stories and get even more TV work. :censored:

I agree, both about Lee & the money.

I wish Jim hadn't be persuaded to stay. Is it any wonder that his career has gone into decline when he can't go for more than a few minutes without wanting to make offensive jokes or comments about one group or the other.

Jim ... get lost.

Jim will be booted off soon. Rosie went first simply because she has no fan base, cooking skills play no part in the decision. So either Jim or Paul Young I suspect will be next to go. I don't like Marco either, his fawning over Jim is embarassing as was his unbound admiration for Mrs. Thatcher. He is childish too, going into huffs for no apparent reason and the way he refused to serve a table because they complained their starter was too cold, what a baby.

Jim leaves Hell's Kitchen

Jim Davidson left the show today following a series of altercations which came to a head in a row with Brian last night.

Tonight we will see the events leading up to the comedian’s departure, which began as Kelly sipped champagne with Angus following her sacking.

Having survived the public vote for the second time, Jim returned to the kitchen, saying that he thought he’d been given a funny look by a table of diners. “Why do shirt-lifters pull that same face?” he asked Paul and Brian.

“Please don’t say shirt-lifters,” a shocked Brian replied. “It’s really rude.”

“I don’t care,” Jim insisted. “…Some gay men have the same look.”

“What look?” Brian asked. “Do I do have that look?”

“No, only when you put it on,” Jim explained. “It’s a sort of preen.”

And later on in the garden after service, the row flared up again when a horrified Brian asked Jim to explain himself further.

“Why do you have to play the homophobic card?” Jim protested. And despite Paul’s best efforts, the bust-up ballooned yet again.

“How can you say that to me?” Brian sobbed. “I am sitting right beside you. I am an equal to you Jim, in everything we have ever done.”

“Sure – that’s what GAY stands for,” Jim sneered. ‘Good As You’. I know that.

“Jim don’t say that,” Brian protested. “Jim, I am Brian – not ‘Good As You’. I am an equal to you. You are being really, really horrible to me now …Why can’t I be Brian and you be Jim?”

Brian then broke down in tears, and Adele and Abbey tried to lead him out of the room. “I won’t walk away” he protested. “I won’t be as Good As You. I will be BAY – Better Than You.”

itv.com, 10/09/07.

Is Jim Davidson really that thick? I suspect that he is. Though there is a small part of me that can't help thinking that he is out to make a name of himself & inherit Bernard Manning's non-PC fans.

Awful man.

Indeed he is one offensive person, good riddance to him.

Jim's departure is covered by Ananova. According to them Jim was asked to leave by the producers.

http://www.ananova.com/entertainment/story...latestheadlines

Which ever way round it was, I'm just pleased that he's gone. I'm also pleased that the other celebs made a stand against him on this issue.

It made for painful viewing. Like Brian, I was shocked that Jim had not been voted off on the previous occasion. He should never be allowed back on TV again.

I agree. There is a level of unpleasantness that I do not want to see on a light entertainment TV show.

Abbey: Being a chef is hell

HELL’S Kitchen babe Abbey Clancy yesterday admitted that her stint on the show was the hardest she has EVER worked.

The evicted WAG and model said: “I’ve never done a day’s work like that in my life.”

Abbey, girlfriend of England ace Peter Crouch, moaned: “Basically it was a 17-hour day, it was non-stop hard work.”

She also told how she was shocked viewers had booted her out on Wednesday night.

She said: “I was surprised to be honest. I was sobbing . . . I was whingeing like a baby.”

The 21-year-old admitted the ITV1 show had taught her how to cook.

But she added: “I’m sick of rich food. I want some normal food, like beans on toast or a ham sandwich.”

The Sun, 14/09/07.

KA - I enjoyed reading this review, by Brian Reade in the Mirror:

Jim shows his true colours...

If only an Antiques Roadshow expert had the balls to say to that stern-faced grasper expecting a mint from a family heirloom: "See these letters here? MFI."

If only Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's mum had used contraception.

And if only, when Jim Davidson pursed his lips and asked Brian Dowling whether all "shirt-lifters" look like this, he'd pointed back and said: "Do all bigoted, unfunny, Freemason, racist, alcoholic, selfpitying, homophobic, misogynist, wife-beaters look like that?" ...

Full article, Mirror, 13/09/07.

:D

Very true. I agree at least in part with the comparison to Jade Goody.
We all know she is basically stupid, impetuous and was probably drunk, she also had her little 'coven' to back up her deluded notions.

Jim's vindictive vitriol was slowly building over the days, it was considered, cold and calculated. Jim had no-one egging him on, in fact quite the opposite. His self-pity was pathetic.

I thought the dig at the Tories was unnecessary if expected given the source. I am not a Tory by a long way but I am honest enough to admit the Blair/Brown govt. have produced policies that are way to the right of anything say Ted Heath would ever have done.

Btw, I was so pleased for Anneka she finally got voted off. She was clearly suffering and that sous chef was very nasty to her. I bet he treads just a little more carefully around Barry McGuigan...

ADELE v BARRY
By Melanie Swan

Emmerdale star Adele Silva and exboxing champ Barry McGuigan will slug it out in tomorrow night's final of ITV's Hell's Kitchen.

They survived last night while singer Paul Young and Big Brother 2 winner Brian Dowling lost out in the public vote in a tense double eviction.

Afterwards Paul, 51, said: "I really enjoyed it. Marco scared the pants off me when we first came in. I would like to see Barry get it because he tries so hard at everything."

And Brian, 29, said: "I'm actually quite happy - it's so stressful. I think it would be amazing for Adele to win."

Kitchen boss Marco Pierre White is also backing Adele to win. Earlier Marco, 45, had the Emmerdale babe squealing with pleasure as he told her: "If I had to choose a winner, it would be you. You've worked so hard compared to everybody else."

Viewers have seen the usually glam Adele, 26, sweat it out in the kitchen - even gutting pigeons - to become the only woman contender left. Marco told her: "The only weakness I feel you have is, for example, you got a bit wobbly last night.

"You got a bit queenie. You'd have liked to have said something to me but you're respectful."

McGuigan, 46 - whose mashed potato has become legendary on the show - was told: "It doesn't matter how many times you go down in a service. You come up fighting with your mash in your hands."

The People, 16/09/07.

Barry & Adele have surprised me. They are both OK. I like the way that Barry refused to go along with Jim Davidson's bullshit as he was expected to. Good luck to the both of them.

I think one problem with this series has been that everyone was assigned a task and never moved from it. On the 'services' Brian for example only ever did puddings, he never once did meat, fish or starters.
I do think Adele deserves to win for her commitment and not shirking at some of the more gruesome tasks. Barry though appears to have more support.

FORMER boxer Barry McGuigan was last night crowned the winner of telly’s Hell’s Kitchen.

The ex-world champ said: “I’m very pleased. It’s fantastic.”

And he said of top chef Marco Pierre White: “He’s an exceptional man. It’s physically demanding, believe it or not. We’ve had a fantastic journey.”

Barry, 46, beat Emmerdale beauty Adele Silva in the final on ITV1. The pair went head-to-head — cooking three starters, four mains and three puddings.

But Barry said he was not nervous, adding: “I’ve been in this position a hundred times. I’ve had a fist thrown at me for 15 rounds.”

The gentleman let his rival pick her dishes first — and was worried when she chose the easiest ones.

Later, gracious Adele, 26, shrieked with delight when the winner was named, and said: “The best man won.”

Before the show, Barry admitted he could only do beans on toast. Last night he said: “I’m very, very surprised I even got to the final. My culinary skills were zero.”

Rugby ace Kyran Bracken, who dined in the eaterie last night, said: “It was like a top, top London restaurant.”

Marco said: “This has been one of the most pleasurable experiences of my life. I’m very proud of them both.”

The Sun, 18/09/07.

Well done to Barry.

I've enjoyed this series. No surprise really, it features food. :D

To be honest I still think Adele deserved to win. I did however love it when Barry revealed the 'secret' of his "famous" mashed potatoes.

"You just keep piling in the butter and salt"

I can imagine all those healthy eating fascists keeling over at the very thought! :lol: