Throng

Legendary Kiwi chef Josh Emett will be joining Simon Gault and Ray McVinnie for series two of the local version of the worldwide hit format screening early next year on TV ONE.

Emett is no stranger to pressure in the kitchen having successfully run restaurants for Gordon Ramsay in London, New York, Los Angeles and now Melbourne where he has opened Ramsay’s first two restaurants in Australia – maze and maze Grill.

Emett has conquered kitchens across the globe, picking up four prized Michelin stars along the way. He is guaranteed to fire up the temperature in the MasterChef kitchen.

Emett, a guest chef in series one of MasterChef New Zealand, says "New Zealand is a nation of great amateur chefs, I am delighted to be coming back home to take part in MasterChef New Zealand and have the opportunity to meet a batch of motivated new chefs. But there will be no room for jokers, I am looking for dedication, determination and discipline."

Series One judge Ross Burden has decided to step out of the kitchen for series two to concentrate on his Law degree. Burden says "I have had a blast on MasterChef New Zealand, I met some truly great budding chefs and hope to see them go on to do great things. Unfortunately I couldn't juggle both the juggernaut that is MasterChef with the demands of studying a Law degree so I've decided to concentrate on my studies. I'm stepping out of the studio for now but not out of the kitchen, I'll still be very active in the food arena."

TVNZ Commissioner Tony Manson says, "We'd like to thank Ross for the great contribution he made to series one and we're delighted to welcome Josh to the second series. We're really excited about what the next series of MasterChef New Zealand will serve up and invite promising chefs to apply now!"

MasterChef New Zealand is produced by Imagination Television Ltd for TV ONE. Countdown proudly sponsors MasterChef New Zealand.

Applications are open to take part in series two please go to www.tvnz.co.nz/masterchef