Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay will be joined by Australian business mogul Janine Allis in an epic new TV series.
Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars will see Gordon and Janine guide and mentor competing teams to find Australia’s most exciting and innovative food ideas to invest in.
Contestants will need to pitch their concept to win a spot in the competition, and with only 14 spots up for grabs, they’ll need to be on their A-game in order to impress Gordon and Janine.
The contestants will be battling it out on Gordon and Janine’s competing teams and will have to endure high pressure challenges to see if they have what it takes to become Food Stars.
The losing team will face an intense grilling from Gordon and Janine and one team member will be eliminated.
In Food Stars, the contestants will need to prove they can tackle all the essential elements of running a business including service, marketing, branding and event management.
One winning idea from each team will take home a $250,000 cash prize as well as a one-year mentorship from either Gordon or Janine, to help them kick start their new business venture.
Gordon spoke about the new show, saying: “This is a competition that highlights the most exciting food and drink ideas in the country, some of which may have never been heard of before.”
“Viewers will see what Australia has in terms of Food Stars, and these businesses are going to surprise you,” he added.
In an exclusive interview with TV WEEK, Gordon reveals he tries to be more supportive on Food Stars as opposed to what he is usually recognised for – yelling.
“When the contestants see me, they get the real me, but I just wanted the best from them,” he says. “I want them to shine. I want to forget the cameras and know this is a real f—ing investment.”
Filming in Australia has been an incredible opportunity for Gordon, who says: “I’ve really enjoyed being here, but I’ve been time-poor every time,” he explains. “I just love being here – there’s something energising in the food space [in Australia].”
“People only wanted to talk about Tilly, so that p—-d me off,” he jokes of the 22-year-old influencer and budding chef. “I was at hotel reception one day and some kids said, ‘Look – it’s Tilly’s dad.’ So yeah, Matilda has a lot to answer for!”
As an expert in the field and an owner of a food business in Australia herself (Boost Juice), Janine spoke about the show from a business-minded perspective, saying: “Australia’s food and beverage businesses are some of the most innovative in the world, and the entrepreneurs behind them have thrown everything they have into it.”
She added: “Food Stars showcases some of these extraordinary concepts and products, and viewers will get to see just what they’re made of. It is one hell of a journey.”
We’ve also been given a look at the upcoming series thanks to a brand new trailer.
In the video, some of the innovative ideas of potential contestants are revealed, with one contestant explaining their “hangover relief beverage” while another unveils a “takeaway cup you can eat”.
The new-look trailer for the show also features a surprising appearance from global superstar Madonna!
One of the contestants reveals they are working as a personal chef for Madonna, and the Queen of Pop makes a cameo via a phone call.
“Gordon, I want my chef back!” Madonna says over the phone.
The Food Stars series format has already been broadcasted in both the United States and United Kingdom, and has seen success.
Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars premieres on Tuesday, March 26 at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
