Rachel Allen is set to replace Tom Doorley on TV3’s The Restaurant, it has been revealed.
Back in September, Tom announced that he was quitting the show after 14 series, and revealed that Marco Pierre White’s domineering attitude and sexist remarks led to his final decision to leave the popular series.
And now, a TV3 insider has told the Irish Mail on Sunday that the show’s producers weren’t surprised by Tom’s decision, and have lined up Rachel Allen to replace him.
The top telly cook has appeared on the show as a guest critic on several occasions.
TV3 declined to comment on the reports, but a senior source told the MOS that Rachel will be replacing Tom.
“Rachel is a professional and we have no doubts that she will compliment Marco in The Restaurant. The show works because it has a great balance between the chefs in the kitchen, the front-ofhouse team and, of course, the diners,” they said.
“The judges are an important component and we were keen to cast Tom’s replacement carefully. Rachel has a proven TV pedigree and is a household name – not just in Ireland, so it is an appointment that should please everyone.”
When asked about his replacement, Tom Doorley said, “When I heard she was doing the show I was a bit surprised but I am delighted for her. Rachel is a good friend and I wish her all the best and I just hope she does better than I did with Marco.”
Filming for the new series is expected to take place at Marco Pierre White’s Dublin restaurant in the New Year.
