Just over 10 years after it went off the air, TV’s most chaotic cooking show Ready Steady Cook is back! And hosting it is one of the country’s most endearingly chaotic chefs, Miguel Maestre.
Here, the Spanish-Australian chef, 44, dishes all about the Ten series, what he thinks about previous host Peter Everett’s choice of words for the reboot and why his friendship with his The Living Room co-host Amanda Keller is so special.
They couldn’t have found a more suitable host for this crazy show! Are you loving the new gig?
It’s a lot of fun. I have always preferred the spontaneity of a live show. Hanging out with great chefs and entertaining everybody on a Friday night. It ticks all the boxes! I’m in my element, just loving every moment.
Does a lot go wrong because it’s live TV?
Well, everything! [Laughs] That’s why it’s so good!
The other day, the oil was going everywhere, the blender was spinning away, the crumbs were going to explode. It’s very challenging.
Even if you’re a professional cook, 20 minutes is a very short space of time to create three dishes. What’s exciting is the chefs have no idea what is in the recipe box.
Did you go back and watch the original show or were you already a fan?
I watched it a couple of times when I started The Living Room and I thought it was very intense. It was like the first ever cooking show here [long] before MasterChef or My Kitchen Rules.
The show is such a beloved Aussie classic. Do you feel any pressure to live up to viewers’ expectations?
No pressure at all here, we have a recipe for success! I’ve been working in professional kitchens for 20 years. It takes a lot to intimidate me.
How did you feel about former host Peter Everett saying it was a “shame” the network hired you instead of him?
I’m just a humble chef trying to make a living. I don’t make the big decisions at the TV networks. Peter was a little bit before my time.
I think every presenter brings something different. I want to just stay in my lane and have fun. I was so happy when they offered me the role, it’s such a great opportunity!
We hear you have a bit of a reunion with Amanda Keller, too!
I tell you, it’s the funniest episode you’ve ever seen! Amanda is so quick and witty. She is my mentor on TV.
She’s been a very special part of my career. She’s been there to guide me. I have a lot of respect for her. It was really special for me when she came to the studio that day. I got a little emotional.
So when you were offered this role, did you run it by her first?
I always call her [about everything I do] and she was so genuinely happy.
Ready Steady Cook airs Friday at 7.30pm on Ten & 10Play.
