The secret weapon on MKR

COLIN & DARREN

MKR’S Colin Fassnidge has a big reputation as the toughtalking, opinionated judge of the show – but new judge Darren Robertson says the Irish chef definitely has a softer side, and even bought him a present on his first day.

‘We’ve been friends for 16, 17 years and have always been close,’ says Sydney chef Darren, who owns famous restaurants The Farm and Three Blue Ducks.

‘On my first day he bought me a little flask as a present, it was pretty cute. He said: “Right, take this flask – we’re going to go and get the best coffee we can and fill it up and away we go.” Sometimes you’re filming till 3 or 4 in the morning, [so] you need all the help you can get. So Colin was cool – he really took me under his wing.’

Both judges admit Group Three has ‘plenty of drama’, with Colin revealing he experienced the worst meal he’s ever had in My Kitchen Rules history.

‘It was the first time I’ve been speechless during my time on MKR – and in a bad way,’

he admits. ‘It was the worst meal.’ Darren admits the tension around the table escalated as the instant restaurant rounds went on, describing the power plays as a ‘psychologist’s dream’.

‘Seeing that behaviour is fascinating,’ he says. ‘There were definitely some dramas and their true personalities were coming through.’

But while Colin says several contestants ‘gave me a run for my money’, he admits he has another fight on his hands – the battle of the bulge.

‘I’m usually about 86kg, now I’m at 91kg,’ he says. ‘I went away with the family for two-anda-half weeks and drank too much wine and ate too many burgers. My wife says I’m like Oprah, I go up and down!’

As well as hitting the gym, Colin admits that fellow judge Pete Evans has been giving him some Paleo diet tips.

‘Pete’s had a positive effect on me – I cut out soft drink, thanks to him,’ he admits. ‘I’d go to sushi, I’d have a can of Coke. I’d go to work and I’d have a can of Coke. But after speaking to Pete I cut it out.

‘I would never do Paleo because I like bread and dairy and red wine too much. But most of what Pete cooks I cook, and I think his diet is good for you.’

How Colin got new judge Darren Robertson ready for his big gig