Women can’t be top chefs, says Heston – pans are too heavy!

HESTON Blumenthal has caused outrage by claiming women’s biological clocks stop many from being top chefs – and they also struggle to lift heavy pans after childbirth.

The 53-year-old celebrity chef, pictured, who has five Michelin stars, made the controversial statement after being asked why more women weren’t represented at the pinnacle of the industry.

‘I have always employed female chefs, but historically and ultimately, the body clock starts working,’ he said. ‘It’s evolution.’ Speaking of manhandling weighty pots after having children, he added: ‘It is one thing to have a nineto-five job and quite another to be a chef with kids so, that makes it difficult.’ His comments come weeks after fellow celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, 57, also said women were not strong enough to manage heavy pans in kitchens.

Mr Blumenthal has said female chefs had to be ‘tough as old boots’ to be successful in the male-dominated industry.

The TV star, a father of four whose second wife Stephanie Gouveia, 32, gave birth last year, told The Economic Times busy kitchens were a difficult environment for women. He added: ‘Women are fighting sexism. Quite frankly, men have asked for this – they’ve brought it on themselves. The shock of women standing up for themselves is strong and men get really insecure.’

His comments led to a backlash on social media, with one commentator writing: ‘Thank goodness they can find the strength to lift their children.’

Another posted: ‘Blumenthal, who followed his biological clock in marrying a woman 20 years his junior. This is hilarious.’ A third tweeted: ‘This is ridiculous, women are strong too. I lug massive pots and pans around the kitchen every day with absolutely no problems.’

Mr Blumenthal did not respond to a request for comment last night.