Latest news with #cookingcompetition
CNA
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
Chinese cooking show hosted by Nicholas Tse and others accused of copying Netflix's Culinary Class Wars
There is a new cooking competition in China stirring up controversy, and it is not because of its recipes. Chinese tech company Tencent's One Dish To Rule Them All, a cooking competition fronted by Hong Kong star Nicholas Tse, Haidilao founder Zhang Yong, and Michelin-starred chef Zheng Yongqi, is facing backlash for allegedly copying the format of Netflix's Culinary Class Wars. The only glaring difference between the two shows appears to be the country's cuisine and One Dish To Rule Them All's long list of celeb drop ins. Celebrity guests such as Carina Lau, Charlene Choi and Michelle Chen made appearances, adding star power to Tencent's version. Everything else, including the format, is painfully similar. Like the Netflix hit, One Dish To Rule Them All's 100 contestants were also split into black and white teams. Sixteen renowned chefs form the white team, while 84 newbies make up the black. Culinary Class Wars also had 100 participants, with 20 experienced chefs classed as White Spoons who competed under their real names, while the remaining 80 newbies were placed as Black Spoons, competing under an alias. Despite some fans pointing out that Tencent's version adds a more interesting twist with A-listers, viewers are still calling it a blatant imitation. 'That is just silly. Culinary Class Wars didn't need to all these celeb gimmicks to become a success,' retorted a netizen. Culinary Class Wars was fronted by Michelin three-star chef An Sung-jae, and celebrity cook Baek Jong-won as judges.
Daily Mail
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
MasterChef Australia: Fan favourite fails to make the top five in heartbreaking exit after disastrous mushroom dish
Beloved MasterChef Australia veteran Snezana 'Snez' Calic had to hang up her apron on Sunday. The 40-year-old from Victoria, who first appeared on season 16 of the cooking competition, faced a 90 minute cooking challenge alongside the six other survivors of the Back to Win season. But after a disastrous first round when her aioli failed to come together, Snez was suffered from a lack of time. After serving up a mushroom ragu with polenta the judges were left unimpressed. Judge Andy Allen complained that the pine mushrooms were dry. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'That impacted the taste and the textures,' he said as he announced that it was Snez the judges had decided to send home. He continued, 'And in the end the lack of time showed on the plate.' 'I just wanted to survive day one,' an emotional Snez said, adding, 'how did i make it to the final six.' She later reflected on her experience. 'I felt so good, even though I was eliminated, I felt good,' the chef told Ten. 'I achieved a lot, I cooked with these legends, and I really, genuinely appreciate the judges. It was such an emotional moment and I'm so, so happy about it.' Last Sunday night, season three's Alana Lowes cooked her final dish in the Doha kitchen as she went head-to-head with Snezana, Laura Cassai and Sarah Todd in a 'dual duel'. The cook-off paired contestants together to battle it out against their opponent, cooking with the same main ingredient in a heated elimination challenge. The least impressive dish in each duo sent its chef onto the second round, fighting it out again for a place in next week's lineup. The challenge placed the contestants literally in a face-off showdown behind benches that were set up opposite each other, upping the tension in the kitchen. Speaking to Ten of her elimination, Alana said that her second time around in the MasterChef kitchen was filled with food, fun and, above all, fierce friendships, especially with fellow participant Snezana. 'I felt like this was a second opportunity to get into this kitchen and just really have fun with it, enjoy every moment,' she said. 'I would have loved to have gone further, but I just feel so satisfied with what I achieved and the dishes that the judges absolutely raved about,' she added.
Daily Mail
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
North Korea holds national dog meat cooking competition with contestants from across the country
North Korea has held a national dog meat cooking competition in Pyongyang this week, state media revealed, with around 200 chefs from across the country. Each contestant gathered to showcase their skills in preparing the controversial dish known locally as 'sweet meat'. The event, organised by the regime and reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), took place at the Food Festival House on Ryomyong Street in the capital and ran for four days, beginning this Tuesday. Footage released by KCNA, showed chefs preparing a variety of dishes made from dog meat, including the nation's traditional dog meat soup or tangogi. The state–run Korean Central Television boasted that this year's competition drew double the number of contestants compared to last year, with participants travelling from all corners of the country. A city official quoted by the network described sweet meat soup as a 'traditional source of summer energy' and claimed the purpose of the cook–off was to 'elevate culinary standards and share know–how on cooking the meat.' Dog meat, long consumed in the North, is officially encouraged by the government as part of the country's limited diet. North Korea even registered sweet meat soup as a 'regional intangible cultural heritage' in 2022. The move contrasts starkly with neighbouring South Korea, where a law passed last year will make the breeding, distribution, and sale of dog meat illegal starting February 2027. The unusual contest comes as North Korea attempts to shine a spotlight on its culture and create a diversion from the country's chronic food shortages, which have long plagued the population. It also follows another unusual public display from the regime last month, when Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un unveiled a massive beach resort in Wonsan, a project long considered one of his pet ambitions. Photos released by state media showed the reclusive dictator touring the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area alongside his wife, Ri Sol Ju, who had not been seen for 17 months, and their daughter, Ju Ae, who many experts believe is being groomed as his successor. The luxurious resort, which features colourful water slides, swimming pools, high–rise hotels, and sunbeds, was completed nearly six years behind schedule due to the impact of the Covid–19 pandemic. Though originally launched in 2014, the project has only now been finalised and is set to open to domestic tourists on July 1. 'Kim Jong Un expressed belief that the wave of the happiness to be raised in the Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area would enhance its attractive name as a world–level tourist cultural resort,' KCNA stated, adding that Kim was filled with 'great satisfaction' during the opening ceremony. Despite these lavish displays, foreign tourism to the nuclear–armed country remains highly restricted. North Korea reopened its borders in August 2023 after nearly four years of strict Covid closures, during which even returning citizens were barred from entering. Russian tourists were permitted to return for the first time since Covid and Western tour operators returned in February this year. Foreign tourists wanting to visit the super secretive North Korea can only do so under a supervised tour, through which guides have complete control over visitors will see. Russia and North Korea have agreed to expand cooperation on tourism, restarting a direct passenger train service between their capitals for the first time since 2020.
Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
MasterChef judge reveals what it was REALLY like on BBC set with John Torode and Gregg Wallace after working with TV duo for 20 years
A MasterChef judge has revealed what it was really like on the BBC set with John Torode and Gregg Wallace after working with the TV duo for 20 years. William Sitwell, 55, has been a regular on the cooking competition for around 20 years, as an extra judge who comes in for the quarter final episodes. The food critic and journalist appeared on Vanessa Feltz 's self-titled Channel 5 chat show today to speak out on the controversy that has recently beset the programme. John, 59, was axed from the cooking competition in an announcement from the broadcaster on Tuesday afternoon over a historic allegation of racism. Meanwhile, Gregg, 60, was sacked earlier this month after a report upheld 45 of 83 complaints of inappropriate behaviour against him. Their colleague William, speaking on Vanessa, defended the programme and its long-time hosts to the presenter, 63. Their colleague William, speaking on Vanessa, defended the programme and its long-time hosts to the presenter, 63 'I wouldn't argue with any of the allegations, that's not for me to do that', he began. 'All I can say is based on my experience of being on that show for 20 years - and I've worked in quite a few offices, newspaper offices, which are quite harsh environments - the MasterChef studio is the kindest, most courteous, most loving, caring place I've ever worked.' This comes from having seen it from both sides, he said, as both a judge and a contestant - he participated in a so-called battle of the critics a couple of years ago. William said: 'They literally hold your hand right up to the moment the cameras start rolling, they want you to perform the best and everyone's incredibly kind and helpful. 'Once the filming starts, you're on your own, right?! And if you get in the doo doo, that's up to you because that's TV and that's the fun of it. 'But my experience was it was just the opposite of a toxic atmosphere. 'And everything you read now, you'd think it was this terrible violent place of abuse, it's just far from it. 'That's not to say, I wouldn't question any of the allegations, that's not for me to do and I wouldn't attempt to do that.' This comes from having seen it from both sides, he said, as both a judge and a contestant - he participated in a so-called battle of the critics a couple of years ago. Pictured: William, right, with Gregg, left, on MasterChef Of John in particular, William (pictured) commented: 'I feel for him because I think he's a very decent guy, he's a very well-informed, charming, diligent, intelligent man' The MasterChef judge also spoke out specifically on both John and Gregg. The same report that saw Gregg sacked also found John had once used an 'extremely offensive racist term', allegedly during some drinks after filming. John posted to Instagram on Tuesday evening to say he had 'no recollection' of the incident and did not believe it had happened. He added: 'The allegation is that I did so sometime in 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and that the person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards.' A witness of the moment has claimed John apologised instantly and 'was mortified' and he 'didn't use the term as a slur'. No one complained at the time, but the incident was brought up during Gregg's inquiry, they added. Emphasising the lack of clarity about when and how the moment happened, as well as the lack of offence the original person took at it, Vanessa asked William's feelings on it all. He replied: 'I have no idea, it sounds a bit foggy. When he would come in at the quarter final stages, there would be 'a really great atmosphere because you get to know the contestants', he explained 'I feel for him because I think he's a very decent guy, he's a very well-informed, charming, diligent, intelligent man and I'm sad if something like that happened. 'For me, it's a degree of sadness because I think it's a great show, I think it's an important show, I think it's a key part of British culture, I think it reflects British culture.' It comes after John was left 'heartbroken' by discovering he had been dropped from MasterChef online. A source told The Sun: 'He read about it on the BBC News website. 'Obviously he's heartbroken. He feels he's been made a scapegoat off the back of the Gregg Wallace report.' Just after the news broke, the chef released a statement confirming he had not 'heard from anyone at the BBC' or the show's production company Banijay UK. His agent was reportedly called just 11 minutes before the BBC's announcement - and so 'hadn't a chance to call him' before word got out. William appeared to take a swipe at this, when Vanessa introduced the topic of John's sacking: 'Apparently so. I think they forgot to tell him but that's the way the world works, isn't it?' He also spoke on complaints made against Gregg, one of which includes an allegation he once took his trousers down in front of a female coworker in a dressing room, in what she described as 'disgusting and predatory' behaviour. 'He never took his trousers down in front of me', the judge said. 'But what he always did – and I read about this when he quit – he is like a sort of Bernard Manning character, he cannot help but use the opportunity of seeing people to test out new gags, he is this sort of gag machine. 'And I don't get upset by his crazy jokes but I can see how other people might do.' Asked if he ever thought any of the jokes were too much, he said: 'No, because I can deal with it, I'm not easily offended.' Speaking about both his fellow presenters, William added, when asked by Vanessa if he ever saw anyone upset on set: 'Not at all, not at all.' When he would come in at the quarter final stages, there would be 'a really great atmosphere because you get to know the contestants', he explained. 'And I only ever saw warmth between the contestants and [Gregg] and also exactly the same with John. 'So, I never saw anything untoward or ever felt uncomfortable in any of the studios.' Interestingly, William had no doubt the show would have a future, when asked: 'Definitely. 'This is a show that is also in 85 different countries, hundreds of millions of people watch it... 'I think that the UK is one domain where MasterChef is shown. It's a global business, it's one of the biggest global food brands, it's one of the biggest global brands. 'So, the brand itself is not in danger.' William described the creation of MasterChef by executive Franc Roddam in 1990 with great nostalgia and fondness. He said it marked a concerted effort to show off true British food culture - best reflected by amateur cooks, working at home - to its Hollywood naysayers. These pure origins made the current scandal even sadder, the judge explained. A BBC spokesperson said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him'. Pictured: The statement John posted on social media 'The sadness for me is that it's reflected the development, the exciting development in the food scene...,' he said. 'And it's a shame that it's now under this cloud for all the wrong reasons.' In a statement regarding John on Tuesday afternoon, the BBC said it does not 'tolerate racist language of any kind' and takes the finding on him 'extremely seriously'. The move came after BBC director-general Tim Davie notably failed to back John and said he 'expects action to be taken' following the racism allegations. He delivered the remarks as the BBC released its annual report - an occasion overshadowed by controversies for the second year in a row. A BBC spokesperson said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. 'This allegation - which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace - was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation. 'He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. The much-loved cookery show (pictured), which launched in 2019, features John, 59, and his wife Lisa as they showcase their favourite recipes 'He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. 'John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' Banijay UK has also now said it has decided not to renew his contract. ITV are standing by under fire John, with sources at the channel telling MailOnline it will continue to broadcast John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen as scheduled on Saturday. The much-loved cookery show, which launched in 2019, features John, 59, and his wife Lisa as they showcase their favourite recipes. An ITV source said: 'There is no change to the ITV schedule and John and Lisa's Weekends will be broadcast as usual and will continue to air for the next three weeks.' It means the third episode of the tenth series of the show will be broadcast on ITV1 at 11.40am on Saturday. There are also plans for the broadcaster to welcome John back later in the year with John & Lisa's Christmas Kitchen in December. Meanwhile, BBC director general Mr Davie has insisted MasterChef can still prosper despite the loss of Gregg and John. He said: 'The BBC in some ways are quite simple on this, if someone is found to not live up to our values we expect the independent company, Banijay in this case, to take action and report back to us on what they have done. 'These are not BBC employees, but we absolutely expect action to be taken.' The director general added: 'I think it's a great programme that's well loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. 'It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make sure we're in the right place in terms of the culture of the show.' A Banijay spokesperson said: 'In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. 'The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. It comes after his co-star Gregg (pictured on Good Morning Britain in 2023) hit out at the BBC after a probe upheld more than half of the complaints of inappropriate behaviour against him as he warned he 'won't be the last' to be cancelled 'This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.' John is said to have been the subject of multiple allegations before only one - relating to 'racist language' - was upheld, The Telegraph has reported. It comes after his co-star Gregg hit out at the BBC after a probe upheld more than half of the complaints of inappropriate behaviour against him as he warned he 'won't be the last' to be cancelled. The report into Gregg's behaviour on the cooking show upheld 45 out of 83 complaints made, including one count of 'unwanted physical contact', leaving the BBC to admit it 'could and should have' acted sooner on the MasterChef host. The damning investigation also found two complaints about the behaviour of 'other people' - including John - were upheld. While apologising for any 'distress' he caused, Gregg took aim at the MasterChef broadcaster, which he claims valued 'protecting its legacy' over 'protecting people'. Warning it was 'dangerous' to be a 'working-class man with a direct manner' in the world of broadcasting, he said he 'won't be the last' to face cancellation. The presenter said: 'In the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake. 'To those who've shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. This has been brutal. 'For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won't be the last. 'There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. 'For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move.'
Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The new favourite to become next MasterChef host after BBC sacks 'heartbroken' John Torode
A new favourite to become the next MasterChef host has been revealed after the BBC sacked a 'heartbroken' John Torode. The Australian chef, 59, was axed from the cooking competition in an announcement from the broadcaster on Tuesday afternoon. It came after a report into a series of allegations of inappropriate behaviour by his co-star Gregg Wallace, 60, which saw him sacked as a presenter this month. The investigation also found John had once used an 'extremely offensive racist term', allegedly during some drinks after filming. John posted to Instagram on Tuesday evening to say he had 'no recollection' of the incident and did not believe it had happened. But in the wake of both the co-hosts' disgrace, Gogglebox star and Great British Menu presenter Andi Oliver, 62, has emerged as the favourite to replace them. Bookies at What Are The Odds have said her chances stand at 5/2, or 28.6 per cent, boosted by her 'warmth and culinary credibility'. The chef is also helped, they said, by her 'vibrant energy and authority' on Great British Menu, which she has variously judged and presented since 2016. She would make history as the first black woman to present MasterChef if she were to be given the top job. But Andi, who is a regular on Celebrity Gogglebox with her daughter, presenter Miquita Oliver, 41, is not alone as one of the bookmakers' top choices. Close behind her is celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, 51, who has been rated at 3/1, or 25 per cent, for his 'accessible cooking style', 'likeable media persona' and 'devoted following'. 'With multiple restaurants, several BBC series, and a reputation for combining fine dining with everyday appeal, Kerridge is seen as a strong fit for MasterChef's evolving audience', the bookies added. What Are The Odds analyst Dave James said: 'Andi Oliver remains the market leader but Tom Kerridge is attracting a lot of support. 'His profile is huge and he's one of the most trusted names in British food. This could come down to what direction the BBC wants – prestige, relatability, or a bit of both.' Other names which could make the cut include Poppy O'Toole, 29, a Michelin-trained chef who has skyrocketed to fame on social media as the 'Potato Queen'. At 4/1 or 20 per cent, she is followed by chef Angela Hartnett, 56, at 5/1 (16.7 per cent) and Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain, 40, on 6/1 or 14.3 per cent. Stars rated below them range from TV chefs James Martin, Nigella Lawson and Marcus Wareing, to food critic Grace Dent. Even John's wife and fellow TV chef Lisa Faulkner, 53, still makes the top ten, at 14/1 or 6.7 per cent, despite his recent sacking. It comes after John was left 'heartbroken' by discovering he had been dropped from MasterChef online. A source told The Sun: 'He read about it on the BBC News website. 'Obviously he's heartbroken. He feels he's been made a scapegoat off the back of the Gregg Wallace report.' Just after the news broke, the chef released a statement confirming he had not 'heard from anyone at the BBC' or the show's production company Banijay UK. Even John's wife and fellow TV chef Lisa Faulkner (left, with John at the National Television Awards last year), 53, still makes the top ten, at 14/1 or 6.7 per cent, despite his recent sacking His agent was reportedly called just 11 minutes before the BBC's announcement - and so 'hadn't a chance to call him' before word got out. In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, the BBC said that it does not 'tolerate racist language of any kind' and that it takes the finding 'extremely seriously'. The move came after BBC director-general Tim Davie notably failed to back Torode and said he 'expects action to be taken' following the racism allegations. He delivered the remarks as the BBC released its annual report - an occasion overshadowed by controversies for the second year in a row. A witness of the moment at issue in John's sacking claimed he apologised instantly for using the term as he 'was mortified' and he 'didn't use the term as a slur'. No one complained at the time but the incident was brought up during Gregg's inquiry, they added. A BBC spokesperson said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. 'This allegation - which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace - was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation. Just after the news broke, the chef released a statement confirming he had not 'heard from anyone at the BBC' or the show's production company Banijay UK 'He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. 'He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. 'John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' Banijay UK has also now said it has decided not to renew his contract. ITV are standing by under fire John, with sources at the channel telling MailOnline it will continue to broadcast John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen as scheduled on Saturday. The much-loved cookery show, which launched in 2019, features John, 59, and his wife Lisa as they showcase their favourite recipes. An ITV source said: 'There is no change to the ITV schedule and John and Lisa's Weekends will be broadcast as usual and will continue to air for the next three weeks.' Meanwhile, BBC director general Mr Davie has insisted MasterChef can still prosper despite the loss of Gregg and John. Pictured: John and Lisa on This Morning earlier this month It means the third episode of the tenth series of the show will be broadcast on ITV1 at 11.40am on Saturday. There are also plans for the broadcaster to welcome John back later in the year with John & Lisa's Christmas Kitchen in December. Meanwhile, BBC director general Mr Davie has insisted MasterChef can still prosper despite the loss of Gregg and John. He said: 'The BBC in some ways are quite simple on this, if someone is found to not live up to our values we expect the independent company, Banijay in this case, to take action and report back to us on what they have done. 'These are not BBC employees, but we absolutely expect action to be taken.' The director general added: 'I think it's a great programme that's well loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. 'It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make sure we're in the right place in terms of the culture of the show.' A Banijay spokesperson said: 'In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. 'The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. 'This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.' John is said to have been the subject of multiple allegations before only one - relating to 'racist language' - was upheld, The Telegraph has reported. It comes after his co-star Gregg hit out at the BBC after a probe upheld more than half of the complaints of inappropriate behaviour against him as he warned he 'won't be the last' to be cancelled. The report into Gregg's behaviour on the cooking show upheld 45 out of 83 complaints made, including one count of 'unwanted physical contact', leaving the BBC to admit it 'could and should have' acted sooner on the MasterChef host. The damning investigation also found two complaints about the behaviour of 'other people' - including John - were upheld. While apologising for any 'distress' he caused, Gregg took aim at the MasterChef broadcaster, which he claims valued 'protecting its legacy' over 'protecting people'. Warning it was 'dangerous' to be a 'working-class man with a direct manner' in the world of broadcasting, he said he 'won't be the last' to face cancellation. The presenter said: 'In the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake. 'To those who've shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. This has been brutal. 'For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won't be the last. 'There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. 'For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move.'
