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MasterChef star reveals a furious chef stalked him after bad review

Published June 12, 2026 · Updated June 12, 2026 · By William Martinez

MasterChef Contestant Shares Ordeal of Being Stalked by Angry Chef After Harsh Critique

MasterChef star reveals a furious chef - William Sitwell, a seasoned restaurant critic and long-time guest judge on the BBC series, has become a familiar face to audiences. His reputation for delivering sharp, unfiltered assessments has earned him both admiration and a fair share of adversaries. However, a recent incident involving a furious chef has brought a new level of intensity to his experiences, prompting him to call the police after being stalked.

A Tumultuous Encounter with a Rival Chef

During a conversation with Vanessa Feltz on her Channel 5 talk show, Sitwell recounted a stressful episode that unfolded after one of his critiques. He described how a chef, reportedly upset by his comments, took the situation personally and began a relentless pursuit. ‘I was stalked by a chef who sent me texts, voicemails, and emails, all saying, “Get used to having me in the back of your mind wherever you go. You know I’m on your tail, I’m going to find you, don’t walk down a street thinking you’re safe,”’ he shared in a

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Sitwell emphasized the extreme nature of the chef’s reaction, noting that the harassment escalated beyond mere words. ‘His response was out of proportion, and later I learned he had a history of targeting people in a less-than-pleasant manner,’ he explained. The incident reached a peak when Sitwell’s wife became anxious, spotting someone in a white coat at the end of their driveway and suspecting it was the chef. ‘I called the police once my wife got paranoid because she saw someone in a white coat at the end of the drive and thought it was him,’ Sitwell added.

Reflecting on His Own Criticism Style

While Sitwell has long defended the value of candid reviews, the recent ordeal has forced him to confront the consequences of his own sharp tongue. In an interview with The Telegraph earlier this year, he acknowledged that his critiques have sometimes crossed into the realm of harshness. ‘I always said negative reviews should be met with a cool head, not an explosive reaction. Unfortunately, I did not practise what I preached,’ he admitted.

Sitwell’s comments highlight the dual-edged nature of being a critic. While his honesty has shaped public perception of chefs and restaurants, it has also left him vulnerable to retaliation. His experience underscores how criticism, even when well-intentioned, can sometimes ignite strong emotions in those it targets.

MasterChef’s Shifting Landscape

The incident has taken place against a backdrop of ongoing changes in the MasterChef franchise. Gregg Wallace, a former host of the show, stepped down in 2024 following allegations of inappropriate behavior behind the scenes. His departure marked a significant moment in the series’ history, as it shifted the dynamics of the culinary competition.

Meanwhile, Matt Tebbutt, who took over as host of MasterChef: The Professionals in September 2025, has faced his own challenges. Last month, it was announced that he would not be returning for the next season of the spin-off format. When asked about the difficulty of his exit on BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme, Tebbutt responded: ‘It was, yes, of course it is. I mean, I’m not going to say I wasn’t upset. I was really upset. And it could have been handled a lot better. But it is what it is.’

Despite the emotional toll, Tebbutt acknowledged the resilience required in the entertainment industry. ‘You know, there’s worse things going on. You’ve got to be pretty resilient. It’s part of the game, really,’ he said. His remarks reflect the broader theme of public scrutiny and the pressure that comes with being a television personality in the culinary world.

The Impact of Celebrity and Criticism

Sitwell’s story also sheds light on the relationship between celebrity status and criticism. As a critic, he has long operated in the spotlight, but the experience of being stalked by a chef demonstrates how the roles can reverse. His candidness on the show, which has earned him respect for his integrity, now serves as a reminder of the personal stakes involved in his work.

Throughout his time on MasterChef, Sitwell has collaborated with various stars, including former hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode. His ability to balance critique with camaraderie has been a hallmark of his participation. Yet, the recent incident has added a new layer to his narrative, illustrating how even the most respected figures can face unexpected backlash.

Stories That Shape the Spotlight

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Legacy and Lessons from the Kitchen

Both Sitwell and Tebbutt’s experiences underscore the intensity of the culinary world, where praise and criticism can carry equal weight. Sitwell’s admission that he now ‘tastes his own medicine’ adds a reflective tone to his journey, while Tebbutt’s comments about handling his exit with grace highlight the importance of adaptability.

As the MasterChef universe continues to evolve, these stories remind us of the human elements behind the cameras. Whether through direct confrontation or behind-the-scenes drama, the show’s participants and critics alike navigate a space where emotions run high and reputations are constantly on the line. The incident involving Sitwell serves as a poignant example of how a single review can spark a cascade of reactions, even extending beyond the kitchen into the real world.