EXCLUSIVE: The French chef shares what he thinks makes the reality show so special.

MKR’s Manu Feildel and Pete Evans / Manu.

MKR’s Manu Feildel reveals why he has stayed on the show for so long. Photos: Channel 7

While Big Brother regularly changes networks and MasterChef judges come and go, one thing that’s stayed consistent on Australian reality TV over the past two decades is Manu Feildel. The French chef has appeared as a judge on every season of My Kitchen Rules since it launched in 2010, as well as three seasons of the New Zealand version.

As this year’s season approaches its end, with just four teams left to battle it out for the $100,000 prize, Manu has spoken out about his decision to stay on the reality show for so long. The Channel 7 star told Yahoo Lifestyle that “business aside”, the series has given him “an amazing life personally”.

“I would have never dreamt of being who I am or doing what I do today without the opportunity 15 years ago,” he remarked.

“I’ve been a chef for 35 years, I’ve been a restaurateur, and then I’d been given the opportunity to do a bit of TV 20 odd years ago, and when that big role came in, I was scared and excited at the same time.”

MKR’s Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge.

Manu has appeared as a judge on every season of MKR since it launched in 2010. Photo: Channel 7

What makes MKR so special

Manu went on to say that the reason why MKR has remained so popular is because the concept is “relatable” to viewers.

“It’s a party that you and everybody else have in their home — there’s always one of the 12 people around your table who’s a pain in the butt, there’s always a funny one, and there’s always a drunk one, and so I think that alone works well,” he detailed.

“It’s just an exciting job to work on, and I’m working with Colin Fassnidge, so it’s a lot of fun.”

This year’s season of MKR achieved the highest premiere ratings since 2018, with 817,000 viewers tuning in.

The remaining contestants hoping to win the title and $100,000 prize are NSW best mates Justin and Will, SA friends Maria and Bailey, QLD besties Lol and Lil, and WA couple Danielle and Marko.