Pete Evans, the Australian celebrity chef once known for his starring role on My Kitchen Rules (MKR), is stepping back into the culinary spotlight. Four years after his departure from the popular Channel Seven reality TV show, Pete Evans Mkr Australia fans are witnessing his return to what he does best: cooking. In a recent Instagram video, the 51-year-old chef appeared to be in high spirits as he demonstrated a simple yet delicious salad recipe, signaling a potential comeback after a period marked by significant controversies.
For many Australians, Pete Evans is synonymous with My Kitchen Rules. Alongside Manu Feildel, he co-hosted MKR for a decade, becoming a household name and a prominent figure in Australian television. His sharp critiques and culinary expertise were key ingredients in the show’s success, making “Pete Evans MKR Australia” a widely recognized phrase for fans of the program. However, his clean-cut image from his MKR days seems to have evolved. In his recent video, Evans sports a more rugged look, complete with a longer hairstyle and stubble, as he enthusiastically prepares a watermelon and shiso salad for his followers. “Spring and summer for me is all about celebrating salads!” he announces in the video, before declaring his dish “delicious!” after taking a bite.
This return to the kitchen comes after a tumultuous period for the Melbourne-born chef. Pete Evans faced a significant downturn in his career following a series of controversies, primarily stemming from his views expressed during the Covid-19 pandemic. His public stance against vaccine mandates and the spread of misinformation regarding the virus led to severe repercussions. Notably, he was dropped by a staggering 15 sponsors within a mere 48 hours in November 2020 after he posted a neo-Nazi meme on social media. This incident, coupled with earlier controversies such as being fined $25,000 for promoting a ‘BioCharger’ device as a Covid-19 treatment, resulted in a substantial blow to his public image and career.
His departure from Channel Seven in May 2020 effectively marked the end of his mainstream media presence. While the network initially suggested a new hosting role for Evans in a revamped cooking show, the partnership ultimately dissolved. This separation allowed Evans to more freely express his controversial views, which included falsely claiming Covid-19 was a “hoax.” His social media accounts were eventually banned for violating policies related to misinformation.
Since retreating from the public eye, Evans has maintained a lower profile, operating a ‘fasting retreat’ at his wellness center near Byron Bay, a venture he and his wife Nicola Robinson embarked on after relocating four years ago. This recent cooking video on Instagram hints at a potential shift, suggesting that Pete Evans may be looking to rebuild his culinary career and reconnect with his audience through his original passion for food. Whether this marks a true comeback for Pete Evans MKR Australia remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly signals a new chapter for the chef after years of navigating public controversy.
