Here’s Your First Look at the New Co-Host of My Kitchen Rules — Nigella Lawson!

She’s known to be a domestic goddess, and now, Nigella Lawson can add My Kitchen Rules judge to her extensive CV. Joining returning host and judge Manu Feildel, Lawson will travel around the country to taste dishes made by passionate home cooks.

Speaking on the new role, the food writer and television cook said: “Going to restaurants can be a treat, but for me, the true story of food is told through the cooking we do at home.

“So, to have the chance to champion home cooks and be given the intimate privilege of being invited into people’s homes to eat their food fills me with gratitude and excitement in equal measure!”

She went on to add that she is “so looking forward” to working alongside Feildel as co-host. “Although he’s a chef and I’m a home cook, the fact is we both just want to eat good food. I feel I’ve got a lot to learn from him, but just know we’ll have a lot of fun in the process. I can’t wait!”

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The French chef is equally as excited to be working with Lawson, admitting that he’s “thrilled” to be returning to the MKR table with her seated next to him.

“As MKR judges, we make the perfect team with our years of experience in professional and home kitchens respectively,” he said.

“And as lovers of delicious food and a fabulous dinner party, I can promise you we’re also going to have a lot of fun. Bring it on!”

Lawson is replacing former judge and controversial chef Pete Evans, who was let go by Seven in May 2020. A few weeks before his departure, Evans’ company was issued a fine of $25,000 by the Therapeutic Goods Administration after claiming a $15,000 lamp could help treat coronavirus. 

“I wish Channel Seven, the crew and my dear mate Manu all the very best on their upcoming series,” wrote Evans on Telegram, as both his Facebook and Instagram pages have been shut down for “COVID-19 misinformation breaches”.

“I will always cherish the many years we spent together, creating so many wonderful memories.”

Joining Feildel and Lawson will be former MasterChef Australia judge and food journalist Matt Preston, and celebrity chefs Colin Fassnidge and Curtis Stone. 

Now, Channel 7 have released its first look at My Kitchen Rules and of course, Nigella makes an appearance.

“When you think about the food you love, it’s nearly always home cooking. I’m a home cook and it’s the food that I want to eat,” she said in the clip. “I’ve come 17,000 kilometres to find Australia’s best home cooks!”

My Kitchen Rules is set to premiere later this year on Channel 7 and 7plus.