Marcus Wareing has addressed what happened behind the scenes of his TV show with Gordon Ramsay after he pulled out of the programme before filming began.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that the two celebrity chefs had ended their highly publicised ‘feud’ after 16 years, having originally clashed in 2008 over a business dispute.
It was announced that they were going to work on a new series together for BBC Two, and both of them expressed their excitement over working together in the kitchen once again.
However, just a couple of months later, it was reported that Marcus, 56, had quit the project, informing bosses that he no longer wanted to take part. An insider stressed at the time that he hadn’t fallen out with Gordon, 59.
Now, the MasterChef: The Professionals judge has shed further light on what really transpired, telling The Times that going ahead with it ‘didn’t feel right’.
When he was initially asked about what happened, he told the publication: ‘I’m going to go “no comment” on that one.’ Nonetheless, he then opened up about his feelings and how Gordon reacted to his decision to step down.
‘Maybe it just didn’t feel right for me. Am I the right candidate to present this show? I felt, personally, when I looked in the mirror that I wasn’t,’ he shared.
‘It was hard to send a message to Gordon and say, “Look, I just don’t feel comfortable.” And he was brilliant. He was like, “Marcus, seriously, mate, do not worry.” His reaction was priceless for me.
‘It reminded me of the olden days when you’d reach out and think, “Am I going to really f***ing p*** Gordon off again?” I really didn’t want to go down that road again and I felt really s***. But I didn’t feel I could do it justice and I think, in our older age now, it’s good to be honest.’
When the news of Marcus and Gordon’s collaboration was first confirmed, the former told The Sun: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside Gordon again.
‘It’s been many years since we last shared a kitchen, and I can’t wait to get started.
‘I’m really looking forward to unwrapping the memories from our cooks and taking them on a journey down memory lane.’