Latest news with #Masterchef
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
MasterChef Australia's Declan Cleary, 27, steps into father figure role with co-star Sarah Todd's son after revealing their age-gap romance
It seems Masterchef Australia star Declan Cleary is stepping into a father figure role with Sarah Todd's son after going public with their age-gap relationship. In Sunday night's episode, the fan favourite chef was sent home after his inside out skewers were deemed 'incomplete' by the judges, narrowly missing the 17th season's top ten. In light of his exit, Declan's girlfriend and fellow Back To Win contestant Sarah, 38, took to Instagram to gush about the 27-year-old with a slew of photos, a number of which featured Declan bonding with her 14-year-old son Phoenix. In the snaps, the former builder was all smiles as he played the doting dad, taking the young teenager golfing, go-kart racing and even on a day trip to Luna Park. 'MasterChef kitchen with you was filled with laughter, lightness, and joy…' Sarah captioned the post, which has received nearly 23,000 likes. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, . 'Our lunchtime workouts to weekends with Phoenix and Sol (Declan's dog), and the way you could make me laugh even in the most stressful moments, you made this unforgettable.' She added: 'You'll be so missed in that kitchen, by me, and by everyone watching along at home. 'But this is only the beginning of your food journey…and I can't wait for all the belly laughs still to come.' Declan sweetly responded in the comments section, saying: 'Thanks my love I definitely have come out a winner.' Earlier this month, Sarah and Declan came clean about their secret romance, revealing that they have already moved in together following the high-pressure show. Speaking to Stellar Magazine, Declan revealed that the pair 'instantly got along', which saw them spend lots of time together behind the scenes. However, it wasn't until Sarah landed in an elimination challenge that Declan's feelings became apparent, and he knew he needed to tell her how he felt. 'As she's walking into the elimination [challenge], I said, "Sarah, can I ask you something? Would you like to go on a date with me?" 'And she just looked at me and said, "You're a bloody idiot",' he said. While the poorly-timed invitation didn't land the way he thought it would, Sarah eventually came around to the idea of them together. 'After I got through the stress of the elimination and had a couple of days to recover, I realised it made sense,' she said. For their first date, the pair visited Grampians National Park for a romantic weekend away. They enjoyed exploring markets, eating at picturesque restaurants and going for walks in the central Victoria highlands. Now, after wrapping filming on the show, Declan has made the move from Sydney's Northern Beaches to Melbourne. They are joined by his dog Sol and her son Phoenix. MasterChef Australia airs five nights a week from Sunday to Thursday on Channel 10 and 10 Play.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
MasterChef star suffers blow to Welsh deli plans due to noise concerns
MasterChef star suffers blow to Welsh deli plans due to noise concerns Christos Georgakis who opened the Gower Deli last year has termed the rejection as "discrimination" Christos Georgakis and partner Leanne Richards (Image: Robert Dalling / WalesOnline ) A former Masterchef contestant who opened a deli in Gower last year has lost an application to extend his opening hours. Christos Georgakis had wowed judges at MasterChef with his culinary prowess, reaching the contest's semi-final stage. Last year, he opened the Gower Deli with the help of a £50,000 loan from the Development Banks of Wales, and later went on to receive an additional £60,000 grant from the Swansea Council to grow his business. To attract more customers in the busy period of summer, and compete with other businesses in the area, Christos hoped to extend his opening hours. However, his planning application has been rejected due concerns about noise. Christos has described the deli as a "dream" in the past (Image: John Myers ) The planning application Christos had submitted sought to extend his opening hours to 8am in the morning until 10pm in the evening everyday. He can currently open from 9am to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday, and from 9am to 8pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. However, Christos has said that he does not intend to open his deli until 10pm everyday clarifying that he only wants permission to remain open until later for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here Article continues below He explained that the reason he applied to remain open until 10pm throughout the week is so he does not have to apply for fresh permission to extend his opening hours everytime he has an event booking during the week day. 'We clarified, and we sent an email to the Swansea Council to clarify it as well, that we don't plan to open every day. What we want to do is we want to have flexible weekdays, said Christos. 'I'm high-end private chef, if I have a request from someone who says, 'You know what, can I hire your room, Tuesday night, to have a small party?' 'I want to be able to do it. We're not in the town, we're not raves, we don't want to have parties, just food. That's all it is.' Additionally, he explained that people start queuing before his shop by 8.30 am for coffee, and he is losing business by not catering to office goers in the morning. He added that his deli doesn't usually open for Monday except during the peak summer periods. A planning officer has said: 'Noise/nuisance from commercial premises, in close proximity to residential properties can often cause problems, particularly later in the evening and night time when other noise sources are much quiter. 'In general, commercial uses in a residential area should not cause noise outside of standard hours, which are often typically 8am to 6pm. The consented opening hours already exceed this general rule, and are considerd the optimum operating times appropriate at the site. 'It is acknowledged that an email on behalf of the applicant to the case officer has advised that it is not likely to be the intention to open beyond 6pm Mon- Weds; this is not however what the current application seeks. 'The proposal to extend the opening hours both earlier in the morning and later in the evening 7 days a week, is considered likely to result in the generaltion of noise and general disturbance(by comings and goings) at unreasonable hours, which will affect the living conditions of local residents to an unacceptable degree, contray to LDP Policy PS 2.' However, Christos has said that as other premises in the area already have permission to open earlier and close later,he feels discriminated against by the council. Christos said: 'I think it's discrimination against the Gower Deli. I mean, I have the cafe next door that has a licence to open from 8pm until 10pm or 9pm, I think. The pizza [place] next to me operates weekends daytime and night, and they settle down 9pm. 'Just about 500 feet down the road is Southgate Club, which is a pub, which opens until 12am. The nearest by, again another 200-300 feet, is the golf club which operates until 8pm. So you can't have a few businesses operate anytime they want and you have a new business and you stop them from operating. It's just not fair, it's very discriminatory." Christos also said that the Gower Deli enjoys local support as it offers a different kind of service. 'But my point, we try to tell the council, is that we are not a party place, it is a high-end place. As you see from the comments in Facebook, we have the support from the whole village, the people around and the surrounding villages of Southgate,' he added. 'They support us 100%, they've been here all the time and anytime we need them, they're there. The deli is much more than a deli, it's a hub, it is a place where people go to relax, to enjoy good coffee, have a conversation. We offer different things than any other cafe will offer in the area in Swansea.' The planning application to extend the working hours of the deli got three letters of objections, 20 letters of support and one letter of comment neither supporting or opposing it. A planning officer said: 'A number of letters of support have been received. However, it is impartant to note that these are from persons who live some distance from the site, and would not be directly affected by the proposal. 'In contrast, the objection letters have come from closer immediate neighbours who woud be impacted upon most by the proposal. The letter of comment received refers principally to traffic management in the general vicintiy and is not material to the consideration of this application.' Christos, who had earlier received a grant of £60,000 from the council said that he doesn't understand the 'rationale' behind the refusal of his application. He said: 'The reason we can't understand the decision is because last May we have a video promotional from Swansea Council, basically Swansea Council advertising how the Grow Grant is helping small business and helping them set up a new business and succeed. So the Gower Deli is in the promotion video including me talking about how helpful the Swansea Council has been. He also expressed that there was lack of co-ordination between Swansea Council departments. He said: 'We applied for an alcohol licence, the alcohol licence had been approved for until 9.30pm. I can sell alcohol until 9.30pm, but I don't have planning permission to open until 9pm, does that make any sense?' 'The Swansea Council departments operate separate. They don't communicate with each other, they don't speak with each other, and this is a killer for the small business. 'And the reason it's a killer for the smaller business is because A, it's too expensive, and B, we end up in situations like this. "You can't plan and this decision will have an effect on me financially because I'm going to lose my July-August trade. In the Gower, it is a very busy that month due to tourists with the coming down here.' Article continues below A Swansea Council spokesman said: 'Mr Georgakis' claim of discrimination is incorrect. The reference to grant arrangements is irrelevant as planning decisions are reached on the basis of planning law and guidance only and no other considerations. 'The decision was based on the facts in the application. The application was clear in that permission was sought to open until 10pm every night – not Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. If Mr Georgakis wants to amend his application to seek alternative opening or closing times, he can do so and apply again. He is also entitled to appeal to the Welsh Government, should he wish.'
The South African
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Rumoured Kaizer Chiefs target signs for Orlando Pirates
Sipho Mbule was linked with Kaizer Chiefs for several weeks. Clearly, the rumour mill got out of hand, because he's officially signed for Orlando Pirates. 'Masterchef' adds experience and quality to the Pirates engine room. Masindi Nemtjela is expected to be the next midfield arrival. Why is nobody talking about Monnapule Saleng? After leaving Sundowns, talented 27-year-old midfielder Sipho Mbule is officially an Orlando Pirates player. This announcement comes amid intense speculation surrounding his future. He spent last season on loan with Sekhukhune, appearing 14 times in the league, scoring twice and assisting twice. Pirates make their move for exciting PSL striker? Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana wide forward Relebohile Mofokeng seems destined for a big-money move away from South Africa. He racked up a staggering 49 appearances in the 2024-2025 season across all competitions. Arguably the club's most important operator, that sample of matches included 12 goals and 15 assists. It's a stellar output for any player, let alone one who only exited his teens in October 2024. Click for the story Pirates sign the new Segolela? Tshepang Moremi during his last season with AmaZulu in 2024/25. Image: tshepang_moremmi/Instagram Is Mbule a good signing for Orlando Pirates? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Time Out
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
A hidden omakase restaurant has opened in the CBD
Melbourne's Japanese dining scene is ever-evolving, and Kentaro is the latest to make its mark. After developing a loyal following as a pop-up at Operator San, it's now found a permanent home in a discreet spot on Exhibition Street. Head chef Ken Kee has worked in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and at local institutions Shoya and Shiranui. At Kentaro, he puts premium seafood, top-grade Japanese beef and seasonal local produce front and centre. Dinner is a $220 or $270 omakase starting with produce-driven appetisers like hollowed persimmon filled with goma-ae (sesame-dressed vegetables), followed by sashimi, a grilled course and nigiri. Dishes toe the line between delicate and decadent – think fatty otoro (tuna belly), scallop stuffed with foie gras, and chawanmushi (a savoury steamed egg custard) topped with uni and gold flakes, served in a ceramic egg. The meal wraps with a rare cut of A5 Ozaki beef sirloin (seldom seen in Australia), a light broth-based palate cleanser, and a rotating dessert by former Masterchef contestant Jess Lemon. Lunchtime is more relaxed with an $88 omakase – among the city's more accessible options – offered as either a four-course set or a sushi selection. A la carte is also available, including chirashi bowls and M9+ steak dons. The drinks list includes a sharp selection of wine and sake – and guests are welcome to BYO a bottle provided they purchase another from the venue. Curious about Kentaro? Find out more at the website. Kentaro is open from Tuesday to Sunday at 6/242 Exhibition Street for both lunch and dinner bookings.
Sky News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News
Renowned chef talks about life after being conned out of £300,000 by his own mum
When Graham Hornigold first heard from his mum, he was delighted, full of "excitement and anticipation". He had gone more than 40 years without seeing her, having been in foster care from the age of two and then living with his father and stepmother. So, when she dropped him an email in the middle of the pandemic, it was almost biological instinct that made him reply. If he had realised that in six months, he would be £300,000 in debt, separated from his wife and wishing his mother was someone else, maybe he would have made a different choice. The renowned pastry chef and Masterchef: The Professionals judge unveiled his story in the Netflix documentary Con Mum earlier this year. Since the programme aired, Graham's life has been a whirlwind as he tried to recover emotionally, mentally and financially from the turmoil his mother Dionne Marie Hanna left behind. "I was in bits, a real dark place, all alone. Your friends drop away, your family drops away, and nobody really knows what you're going through," the 50-year-old told Sky News' Money blog. "It's really hard to transmit those feelings because nobody can understand it unless they've really lived through it. "You don't realise until after they have fleeced you or manipulated you beyond your wildest dreams, that you've actually left yourself exposed." 'There's nothing really to say to her - is there?' Hanna presented herself as a wealthy, illegitimate daughter of the sultan of Brunei, initially spoiling Hornigold, and his partner at the time, Heather Kaniuk, with expensive gifts - including a Range Rover and a BMW. She told him that she had just months to live, but as time went on, she began leaving Hornigold and his friends with large bills for hotels, meals and other expenses. Eventually, she disappeared. The Netflix documentary shows her final phone call with Hornigold, in which she claims to be in Malaysia. Hornigold told Money that he has not spoken to her since, and he doesn't wish to. "All I know is what I have seen in the papers, which is that she was taken [arrested] in Singapore," he said. "There is nothing really else to say to her, is there? Thanks for carrying me," he laughed. 'Really, really dark place' The ordeal uprooted Hornigold's life. His marriage broke down as a result, with his ex-wife and son now living in New Zealand. "Coming back to an empty house that no longer has your child or your partner in, or your mum, was really tricky. I had to live there for a year afterwards and then clear it to sell it. That was a really, really dark place," he said. In a bid to clear the £300,000 of debt he had been left with, he gave back the cars and managed "little by little" to pay some of the money back - with around two-thirds already paid off. "Some [of the debt] is still sitting here because obviously you still have increased costs, and rent is higher than your old mortgage, and I live by myself," he said. "But it's not about the money, it's just the emotional damage that's been done." 'My business is suffering' As a top chef and a successful businessman, Hornigold has found comfort in the kitchen and in his companies - the gourmet doughnut brand Longboys, his patisserie Pretty Sweet and his consultancy Smart Patisserie. "My work has definitely kept me busy, but that again is one of those coping mechanisms," Hornigold said. While battling the issues in his personal life, he has also been trying to continue the success of his businesses in a tough economic climate. "Hospitality, like most businesses now, are taking a hit," Hornigold said. "Ingredient costs have gone up because of import taxes, the availability of goods, and the increased cost of living. There is only so much that people are willing to pay for things. "My business is suffering today but I still have a roof over my head, I've still got a family that loves me, and I've still got my reputation. "Hopefully, we can weather the storm." 'Everybody is struggling' Hornigold's positivity is infectious. Despite admitting he has a "challenging" life, he said he "always looks for the light" and wants others facing difficult times to do the same. "I'm from the generation where you just crack on. That's probably why some of the things have come to pass," he said. "I allowed this to happen because of that need for acceptance. "That's why we have to talk about mental health as a whole piece. It's not seen as a weakness any more. You can go out, fully masculine, and still be able to be heard and become healed without any sense of fear or weakness. "I mean, I'm struggling, but everybody is struggling. I still can't complain, though, can I?
