MKR Shocking secrets
From toilet bans to the crew stirring up trouble – what really goes on behind the scenes at MKR…
HEADHUNTED
Production clearly cottoned onto the popularity of Henry the truffle farmer after his brief appearance on the show last year, but we’re told the Tasmanian heartthrob wasn’t the only contestant to be headhunted.
“Jess and Emma were sought after for two years, while Nic and Josh were scouted off their food truck,” our source reveals. “A lot of the teams seemed to be there for fame, not food.”
RATINGS RIVALRY
“Production aren’t interested in consistency when it comes to cooking – they prefer comeback stories,” says the source. “And contestants are told they won’t get any airtime if they don’t involve themselves in the drama.
“After an argument at the table, producers will praise the behaviour of the contestants, assuring them viewers will be tuning into MKR instead of Married At First Sight!”
IT’S IN THE CONTRACT...
Contestants must be available for four months during filming – which is tough given they only get paid $500 a week. By signing the show’s lengthy 15-page contract they also agree to the competition rules being changed at any given time, as well as promising not to change their “look” without Seven’s permission. Fancy going for the chop? No chance!
STIRRING THE POT
TV bosses aren’t the only ones out to cause trouble. Our insider says even the hair and make-up team tries to stir up drama!
“The hair and make-up team will bitch about each contestant to the other, to turn them against one other,” spills our set insider.
THE NOT-SO-GLAM LIFE ON SET
Contestants can forget having a caffeine hit to help stay awake during long hours of filming.
“Someone brought some Red Bulls onto the set, but they were confiscated. Production want contestants to be tired and irritable so they’ll argue at the table,” says our source.
“With 3am wake-up calls, contestants are so exhausted and fed up they say whatever producers tell them to, just so they can wrap up filming.”
Toilet breaks are also limited – one contestant was driven to tears when refused permission to leave the table!