Michel Roux Jr misses being ‘father figure’ to MasterChef hopefuls as show becomes tougher | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV

Former Masterchef: The Professionals judge Michel Roux Jr revealed he enjoyed being a “real father figure” to contestants during his time on the show, during an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk.

Although the competition is very tough this month, with hopeful hopefuls receiving heavy criticism and criticizing themselves for “failing so badly”, Michel, who left the show in 2014, says he does not believe that he’s too hard on himself.

“The delivery of criticism must be correct and there should always be light at the end of the tunnel,” Michel pointed out.

“I mean if someone messes up, you should say so, but there should always be something positive, so that the person who is messing up knows how to make it better next time .”

He added that he really misses his time on the show, explaining: “I really enjoyed it, especially being a mentor and almost like a father figure to the contestants.

“[I’ll miss being] able to inspire them and help them achieve better things.”

Earlier this year, Michel’s appearance on Channel 4’s Five Star Kitchen ruffled a few feathers and saw some online critics complain that his criticism was too harsh.

However, the Michelin-starred chef said he never holds back from hurting people’s feelings, as his priority is to teach them how to avoid mistakes in the future.

“I’ve always been very honest with my assessment and how I see it,” he explained.

Michel was not watching the current series of Masterchef: The Professionals, which he left in 2014 due to what the BBC described as a “conflict of commercial interests” after endorsing a potato brand.

“To be brutally honest I haven’t seen any of the MasterChef series because I’ve been so busy – so I might have to catch up on Catch Up,” he said.

The star added: “I used to watch it religiously when I was running, and the reason behind that is that I needed to be 100 per cent on the pace when people asked me about it.”

Michel has since scaled back his professional commitments and is closing the doors of his iconic restaurant Le Gavroche in January to achieve a “better work-life balance”.

Although guests will miss the delicious French fare, and even Michel’s memory of the many marriage proposals and emotional moments that took place within the restaurant, it is time to say goodbye.

Explaining that he now wants to spend more time with his grandchildren at almost 64, Michel told Express.co.uk: “It’s coming to an end on my terms, so, you know , it is my choice. And we’re leaving on high, and with a bang!”

Fans will be able to catch Michel at next week’s BBC Good Food Winter Show in Birmingham, where he will be kicking off four cookery sessions to demonstrate how different dishes are made, as well as take part in Q&As and book signing.

Former Masterchef: The Professionals and Saturday Kitchen, Michel Roux Jr, will appear on the BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW WINTER at NEC Birmingham. 23-26 November.

A visit www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com for tickets and more information.