MasterChef is not real: a chef’s bombshell revelation | The Express Tribune

Marco Pierre White has sparked fresh debate around television cooking competitions after describing MasterChef as “not real” and urging viewers to avoid taking the long running franchise too seriously. The Michelin starred chef, who has appeared as a judge across several international editions of the programme, shared his candid assessment while reflecting on how food television differs from the reality of professional kitchens.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, White explained that the food judged on screen is often no longer freshly prepared by the time it reaches the tasting stage. “When it comes to the tasting the food is three, four hours old. It’s cold food,” he said. He added that viewers should remember they are watching entertainment rather than an authentic representation of restaurant service.

Calling the programme “a TV show”, White continued, “It is not real. It is fantasy. If it makes you want to cook then that is all that matters. It’s food porn.” His remarks have attracted attention because of his long association with the MasterChef brand and his reputation for offering uncompromising opinions throughout his career.

White has served as a principal judge and co host on several editions of MasterChef: The Professionals Australia and has also appeared on versions of the competition in South Africa and New Zealand. In 2024, he returned to the BBC version of MasterChef as a guest judge during the grand final, making his latest comments especially notable for fans of the franchise.

Although his criticism focused on the production process, White also acknowledged the positive influence the programme can have. He suggested that inspiring people to spend time in the kitchen is ultimately the show’s greatest achievement, regardless of how closely it mirrors the realities of professional cooking.

The comments arrive during a period of significant change for the BBC series. Over the past two years, MasterChef has undergone one of the biggest shake ups in its history following the departures of longtime presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode.

Wallace stepped away from the programme after allegations of inappropriate behaviour and sexual misconduct emerged. An independent review later upheld 43 of 85 complaints made against him. Wallace responded by stating that none of the most serious allegations had been upheld and apologised for any distress caused by behaviour that had been interpreted differently from his intentions.

Torode also exited the programme after a separate investigation into an allegation involving historic racist language. He said he had no recollection of the incident and maintained that racist language is completely unacceptable in any setting, while expressing shock at the allegation.

With both original presenters departing, the BBC appointed food critic Grace Dent and Irish chef Anna Haugh as the new faces of MasterChef. The refreshed presenting team marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of Britain’s best known cooking competitions.

White remains one of the most influential chefs of his generation. After training under Albert Roux and Michel Roux at Le Gavroche, he became the youngest chef to earn three Michelin stars in 1995 before stepping away from daily kitchen operations in 1999. His television appearances and outspoken views have ensured he remains a prominent figure in the food industry.

MasterChef Australia is an Australian competitive cooking reality show based on the original British MasterChef. It is produced by Endemol Shine Australia and screens on Network 10.

Restaurateur and chef Gary Mehigan, chef George Calombaris and food critic Matt Preston served as the show’s original hosts and judges until 2019, when they were replaced by Series 4 winner and chef Andy Allen, food critic Melissa Leong, and restaurateur and chef Jock Zonfrillo. After Zonfrillo’s sudden death and Leong’s departure, Allen was joined by Series 1 runner-up Poh Ling Yeow, food writer Sofia Levin and French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli.

The series has also spawned five spin-off series: Celebrity MasterChef Australia, which featured celebrity contestants, Junior MasterChef Australia, which featured younger contestants, MasterChef Australia All-Stars, which featured returning contestants from the first three series, MasterChef Australia: The Professionals, which featured professional chefs as contestants, and Dessert Masters, which featured professional pastry chefs.

Despite success in ratings, the series initially received mixed reviews, with fans of the original British version describing the Australian show to be incomparable to that version in terms of quality, structure, judgement and skill of the contestant.