Michel Roux Jr to stop working with BBC for ‘foreseeable future'
Michel Roux Jr has announced that he will not work with the BBC "for the foreseeable future".
The two-Michelin-starred chef blamed the "frustrating process" that negotiating with the broadcaster involved, as well as questioning whether it understood the "realities of today's commercial world".
It ends a longstanding relationship between the chef and broadcaster, which has seen him co-present MasterChef the Professionals for the past six years, and BBC Food & Drink for two series.
In a statement Roux Jr said: "This hasn't been an easy decision for me to make. I love working with the BBC, and am very proud of how we have built up the popularity and success of these two iconic shows.
"It's not for lack of trying, but sometimes negotiating with the BBC can be a frustrating process, and there are times when I have wondered if the Corporation understands the realities of today's commercial world.
"The BBC needs to recognise the value of the talent they work with, and also, that whilst we love to be associated with top quality television, we have other professional commitments that are as important to us as programme-making."
He said that he will honour his commitment to presenting a new BBC4 documentary ‘Chocolat' which begins filming in a few weeks.
In a statement, the BBC said: ""Sadly we can confirm that Michel Roux has decided to leave MasterChef The Professionals and Food and Drink due to a conflict in his commercial interests. It has been a great privilege to work with such an accomplished professional in his field and we would like to thank him for the huge contribution he has made to those programmes. We would like to wish him well and the best for the future."
