By Eleanor Davies
HARDEEP Sing Kohli has been called many things in the past, never shying away from controversy!
Getting to the final of Celebrity Masterchef back in 2006 and becoming the first celebrity to be ‘fired’ on The Apprentice in 2008, Hardeep is also known for his time spent as a roving reporter on BBC’s The One Show.
And now this incredible broadcaster, comedian and chef is getting set to entertain audiences across the nation with his brand new show The Nearly Naked Chef, which will be coming to Southend next week!
And when I caught up with the down-to-earth TV star last week, the natural funny-man couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of people thinking of him as a comedian.
“A lot of people have the pre-tense that I’m a stand up comedian, but I’m not,” Hardeep chuckles. “I don’t have the confidence to just stand there talking!
“A lot of people don’t like their job so I’m very fortunate that I love what I do.”
Indeed, focussing on his culinary skills, Hardeep is looking forward to bringing his show to Essex, proving it’s not only women who can multi-task!
As well as cooking Hardeep will also be sharing anecdotes from his life so far, and that’s not all.
“Expect to see a slightly overweight bloke in a kilt cooking two courses and maybe some dancing - I’m not sure yet,” laughs the father of two. “The show is definitely about me, it’s stories about me growing up – I’m humbled that people are interested in me and its good fun.”
And Hardeep is keen to give the audience what they want, incorporating them as much as possible into the show.
“We ask the audience to email in ingredients and then we go through and pick some out to create a dish,” Hardeep tells me. “So I have no idea what I’ll be cooking on the night until the day before.”
A risky move, but having perfected his cooking skills on Celebrity Master Chef in 2006, he’s practically a pro now!
“I’ve progressively got better since I began cooking, but then again I was eight so you can’t hold that against me,” he jokes. “I just love food, mainly because I enjoy eating it!”
With his favourite dishes including his ‘mean curry’ the audience are sure to walk away feeling satisfied – all getting to sample some of the culinary delights he will be cooking.
“Ultimately I tell stories but I like engaging with people as well, there’s a lot of chatting with the audience – it’s a really warm show.”
Hardeep will be at the Palace Theatre with his Nearly Naked Chef Tour on Saturday 10 July. For details visit palacetheatre
southend.co.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135.