EXCLUSIVE: The new Jeremy Clarkson? Michel Roux Jr discusses Top Gear and his new job
HE AIRED his own grievances with the BBC after leaving MasterChef last year and Michel Roux Jr has spoken out about Jeremy Clarkson.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Express Online, Michel was asked about taking over the lead host role on Top Gear after Jeremy's suspension.
The 54-year-old chef laughed and explained, while he's interested in cars, he's not 'in the same league' as Jeremy - also 54.
I would never consider myself in Jeremy Clarkson's league
Michel said: "There is no slot going on Top Gear, it hasn't been confirmed. It's under enquiry, I believe.
"I love fast cars, I belong to the P1 club. It's a club for high-end quality cars. But I would never consider myself in Jeremy Clarkson's league."
The Michelin star chef stepped down from his judging role on MasterChef because of his celebrity tie-ins, such as promoting Albert Bartlett potatoes.
Speaking to Business First magazine last year, the chef says he walked away because BBC executives impugned his honour and integrity.
Michel said: "They were suggesting that if, for example, we got to the final of MasterChef and there were two chefs that were cooking a dish, I would favour the one that used a certain variety of potatoes, because of my association with Bartletts. Now that is questioning my honour and my integrity.
"So sorry, but that’s just not on, no."
Speaking to the Daily Express Online, Michel revealed he's planning his big TV come-back this year with filming due to start imminently.
He said: "Absolutely, I will be on the screens again this year. It has yet to be released into the press all the details but yes, I will be.
"It should be this year and if all goes to plan I'll be filming very soon. Hopefully it will be out in the autumn."
The popular chef is also a celebrity ambassador for the Investec Derby Festival alongside TV star Millie Mackintosh, champion jockey Frankie Dettori MBE, Olympic Gold Medallist Denise Lewis OBE and DJ Laura Whitmore.
Michel is the food and drink ambassador and, along with his father Albert Roux, the star will once again host Investec Derby race-goers at their on-site restaurant Chez Roux.
He said: "We're working with the jockey club so hopefully that will continue. It's a pop up restaurant, indeed. It has a proper Roux menu offering seasonal food - it's a full menu so there's a choice.
"It's a full on menu, lovely luxurious dishes and focusing on British produce as well. People, when they go to places like Chez Roux, upmarket restaurants at the racecourse, they expect a certain level of indulgence and that's what it's all about."
Ladies Day tickets start at £13.50 and Derby Day tickets start at £15. For further information on the enclosures and to book tickets please visit www.epsomdowns.co.uk
