"I am so excited to be part of Next Level Chef"

Chef Paul Ainsworth is delighted to be joining his former mentor, Gordon Ramsay, on the globally acclaimed, Next Level Chef, starting next week on ITV.

Paul will be guiding twelve talented contestants on their culinary journeys alongside reputable American chef, Nyesha Arrington.

Billed as the evolution in cooking competitions Paul commented on the reality series: “I am so excited to be part of Next Level Chef which sees twelve home cooks, chefs and social media cooking enthusiasts battling it out in a number of gruelling and high intensity challenges. It will test their skills and aptitude in three different kitchens (floors), learning to cook in contrasting environments using their creativity and expertise.”

He added: “It is an absolute honour to share the stage with long-term friend and role model, Gordon Ramsay, who I have respected since my days working together at three Michelin-starred restaurant Royal Hospital Road in 2000. I can’t wait to show what we have been working on for the last year and to support but challenge our amazing contestants

through the show. The Next Level Chef winning prize will be life changing for whichever deserving chef makes it through, and it’s a privilege to be playing a part in that.”

The Ainsworth Collection encompasses Michelin-starred Paul Ainsworth at No6, Caffè Rojano, The Mariners Public House, and Padstow Townhouse - all of which are run by Paul and his wife, Emma in North Cornwall.

Paul grew up in and around his parents’ guesthouse in Southampton, developing a strong sense of hard work and a passion to succeed.

An avid supporter of Cornish farmers, fishermen and artisanal producers, Paul’s inventive cooking celebrates everything the region has to offer.

A charismatic and engaging chef, Paul launched his own podcast, ‘Knives, Forks and Tunes’ with Warner Music in 2021 and is a regular on notable cookery programmes.

Eight-part series, Next Level Chef, starts in the UK on ITV1 on Wednesday, January 11 at 9pm

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