5 minutes with... Manu Feildel
We chat to the My Kitchen Rules judge about the show’s fiercest competition yet.
What will fans like most about season 11, MKR: The Rivals?
What we really enjoyed, especially Colin [Fassnidge] and I, was mentoring the teams. Being more involved, and not just talking about food or judging but getting into the kitchen and sharing our knowledge, I think that is what fans will enjoy the most.
You’ve mentored the returning ‘Fave’ teams – what can we expect?
I’m very competitive. The fact I’m working with teams that have already been in the competition is in some way an advantage, but also not so much when they think they know better and don’t listen – it’s an interesting challenge.
I’m there to win, so we worked hard.
Was there anything else difficult about mentoring?
We were spending only a couple of hours with them while they were prepping – as soon as service started we had to walk away. It doesn’t matter how many things you can tell them how to do, when you’re not there and you can’t see what’s going on you’re just hoping for the best.
In the past contestants have been accused of bullying and bad behaviour. Being more hands-on, did you see more respectful behaviour? Yes, the better way to win the fight is to cook the best. You don’t have to score low, you don’t have to cheat or get angry – just get even, and get even with food.
Is Pete Evans an impartial judge? What did you do to impress him?
Yes – he’s right down the middle. When I was mentoring I was making sure I knew what Pete and Colin liked … I was always saying you should add a little bit of this for Pete, or don’t put that on the plate for Colin. I’m not sure Colin worked that way.
How heated did the competition get between yourself and Colin?
It got heated at times. We’re friends – we have known each other for a long time so our friendship is definitely there still. But when it’s a competition you put your friendship aside for a bit.
Which of you is the most competitive?
I believe some of Colin’s scores were a little low compared to the public for example – I thought he was playing on the scores a little, he was a bit harsher with his critiques, but that’s alright. AWW
MKR: The Rivals premieres February on the Seven Network.