Gordon Ramsay is said to be in talks over the return of popular cooking show Hell’s Kitchen 20 years after it was last on screen entertaining millions of viewers across the UK
Gordon Ramsay is reportedly in talks with ITV to reprise his role in the kitchen for the reboot of the popular cooking show, Hell’s Kitchen – after 20 years.
The 57-year-old celebrity chef, who is famed for his sharp tongue and constant use of expletives, is said to be considering a return to the cooking competition where individuals battle it out to be crowned winner. The show first launched in 2004 and Gordon appeared in one series of the iconic ITV show before he made it a global phenomenon – as it proved popular across the pond in America.
An TV insider told The Sun: “Early conversations are happening and ITV are very excited about the prospect of it returning. It is one of Gordon’s biggest shows around the world by miles and is broadcast to around 100 countries – so it really is huge. The real hurdle for him will be fitting it in among his other commitments, but everyone seems thrilled at the mere idea.”
Following Gordon’s departure, he was replaced by a number of celebrity chefs including Gary Rhodes and Marco Pierre White . The celebrity version of the show saw the likes of actress Jennifer Ellison, pop star Belinda Carlisle, former glamour model Abi Titmus and Bros legend Matt Goss. The final series of the UK version of the show was aired in 2009 and was hosted by Claudia Winkleman who went on to front major TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing.
Since making his mark on the show, Gordon went on to head up The F Word and Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares on ITV’s rival channel, Channel 4. However, Gordon continued to be the face of Hell’s Kitchen as it then launched in America in 2005 and ran for 18 series. The last show was titled Hell’s Kitchen Rookies vs Veterans.
Aside from his world in front of the camera, Gordon found himself in the news once again earlier this month, after it emerged that squatters had sworn to stay in the pub rented by the chef.
They claim they had made a deal with the owner. The group barricaded themselves in the York & Albany in Regent’s Park, north London. However, despite Gordon Ramsay Holdings International Limited (GRHI) receiving a High Court order for possession of the Grade II listed building, the squatters are still standing firm.
One squatter told PA news agency: “We’ve made a deal, with the owner, not Ramsay. We’re still here, and we’re going to carry on staying here. We’re going to be security for him.” The pub and hotel has had its fair share of drama after being embroiled in a legal battle between Gordon and filmmaker Gary Love.
In 2007, Gary bought the freehold of the pub and then leased it to Gordon for 25 years at an annual rent of £640,000. Ramsay tried to break free from this lease in 2015 but failed in the High Court. The Mirror contacted ITV and Gordon Ramsay for a comment. However, ITV declined to officially comment.
