Ready Steady Cook star Peter Everett charged with sexually touching 16-year-old boy
Everett, who hosted the cooking game show from 2006 through 2011, fronted Sydney's Parramatta Court on Saturday, accused of sexually touching the 16-year-old boy from the Central Coast region of NSW.
The alleged offence occurred in the town of Toukley last Friday.
A NSW Police spokesperson told SkyNews.com.au officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District commenced an investigation regarding the alleged sexual touching of a 16-year-old boy at Toukley on the NSW Central Coast.
"Following extensive inquiries, about 1.30pm Saturday 26 July 2025, police arrested a 66-year-old man at a home at Toukley," the spokesperson said.
"The man was taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with sexually touch another person without consent.
Everett spent Friday evening incarcerated before appearing in court the following day.
The TV host pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied the allegations.
He is expected to return to court in September.
The development marks the latest in Everett's professional setbacks.
He was sacked from the Australian adaptation of Ready Steady Cook in 2011, a competition show that features two teams, each consisting of a chef and a guest, competing to prepare meals using given ingredients.
Everett replaced Nick Stratford as host of the show in 2006.
He went on to transform it from a low-rated show into a commercial success, with the program nominated for three Logies during his tenure.
However, there were rumours Everett was "difficult" to work with and clashed with the chefs.
Everett was about to board a plane for an overseas holiday when he received a call from Rory Callaghan, former CEO of Southern Star Productions (Endemol Shine Australia), telling him he had been sacked.
The TV host said Callaghan told him he thought he was "greater than the show."
"I had no idea what that meant," Everett told News.com.au in 2019.
"I think it meant I thought I was so indispensable and that they couldn't do the show without me."
"I said, 'I am a large part of the show, but I just want the best for the show'."
Callaghan in 2011 told TV Tonight Network Ten had "reached a point" where production needed to progress without Everett.
"It was a hard production with him, so it was time to move on," he said.
Comedian Colin Lane replaced Everett, who in 2023 launched a fiery spray at Channel 10 for not inviting him back to the 2024 reboot.
Chef Miguel Maestre hosted the programme, with Everett saying he acted like a spoiled child at being snubbed for the role.
'I was like a three-year-old for a couple of days, who constantly asks, "Why, why, why?'" he told New Idea at the time.
"They didn't approach me for some reason. Who knows why? It's a shame."
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