Hell's Kitchen

30 October 2009, 09:39

Hell's Kitchen is being axed because it is too expensive to make, a report has claimed. Sources have revealed that TV chiefs have decided to change the format of the show in an attempt to cut production costs.

The new show will still feature celebrities cooking under the watchful eye of Marco Pierre White, but it is believed that the programme will be called Marco's Kitchen Burnout.

The programme will be filmed inside a real restaurant in London and diners will have to pay for their meals this time. Previous series of Hell's Kitchen had been filmed on a bespoke set at a cost of thousands.

The new format will see 12 celebrity chefs learn to create Michelin-star standard dishes over the four-week show. The chefs who fail to impress Marco will be sent packing, while the weekly winners will compete in a semi-final before going on to challenge for the title of Best Celebrity Chef.

A further departure from the format of Hell's Kitchen will see the wannabe chefs lodge in separate accommodation instead of the shared house. It is believed that bosses made this decision to reduce the number of backstage rows on the show.

An insider told The Sun: "It's no secret that Hell's Kitchen was an expensive show.

"This time they're keeping the costs down and making it easier for decent celebs to take part - because they won't have to live with everyone else.

"Bosses are gunning for some good names so it should be a cracking show."

A spokesperson said: "We are working on a new idea for Marco.

"Hell's Kitchen may well return in the future."

Last updated: 30 October 2009, 09:39