My Kitchen Rules star Arrnott Olssen reveals what Nigella Lawson was really like to work with
Arrnott Olssen is becoming more and more realistic about having Nigella Lawson as his mentor.
Appearing on My Kitchen Rules in 2022, the foodie candidly talked about her collaboration with the brunette beauty when she was a judge on Channel Seven’s cooking show.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia at the launch of Hickson house‘s Seven Spice Gin in Sydney, Olssen explained how he was often in awe of the 63-year-old British celebrity chef.
“They say never meet your heroes, because then you will be disappointed,” he began.
“But there’s just something about (Lawson). You can’t help but stare at her… She was so sweet.’
Arrnott Olssen (pictured) is becoming more realistic about having Nigella Lawson as his mentor. The foodie, who appeared on My Kitchen Rules in 2022, opened up candidly about working with the brunette beauty when she was a judge on Channel Seven’s cooking show
He then revealed surprising details about Lawson’s behavior on set, explaining that she always looked out for the contestants and crew members during filming.
“She used to come over for a chat beforehand,” he continued.
Olssen, who is of Fijian descent, recalled one time when the show was filming in Sydney and Lawson made sure the cast stopped production and left the set at a reasonable hour.
He also explained that the food writer had high authority over the show and often stopped producers trying to tell her what to say.
Nigella Lawson (pictured) returns to MKR this season alongside Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge, but only for the finals
“She had the producers in her ears, and every now and then we heard her say, ‘No, I wouldn’t put it that way,'” Olssen, 45, said.
“The way she helped or gave feedback… was like your mother or your grandmother telling you what to do to solve it. She would always tip you.
“My biggest thing about doing the show was her as a judge.”
Arrnott Olssen (left), who competes with his friend Fuzz (right), was a finalist on Popstars Live in 2004
Lawson returns to MKR this season alongside Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge, but only for the Finals.
‘I’m so excited to be back on MKR! It combines two of my favorite pastimes: championing home cooking and eating delicious Australian food,” Lawson said in a statement in April.
In a major format change, French-born celebrity chef Feildel and Fassnidge will co-host and judge the competition.
Manu served as a host and judge on all 12 seasons of the reality show, and Colin joined as a guest judge on season four.
Olssen (pictured) attended the official launch of their Seven Spice Gin by Hickson House on Thursday evening
Located in Sydney’s The Rocks, the beautiful distillery hosts a unique three-course dinner designed by celebrity chef Sean Connolly
Glamourous Lawson replaced controversial judge Pete Evans for the first part of the series, and fans have said her appointment was a “massive upgrade.”
The British food writer first joined Manu as a judge on the MKR premiere on August 7 and was well received by viewers.
However, Lawson left the series on August 16, after judging group one, stepping aside for Matt Preston to co-host with Manu for the rest of the season.
Olssen is known for his time on MKR last year when he joined forces with his fashionista friend Faraz ‘Fuzz’ Ali to represent New South Wales. But he had made his TV debut 18 years ago – he was a finalist on Popstars Live in 2004.
Following his MKR stint, Olssen has since become a brand ambassador for The Langham Hotel’s Observatory Bar in Sydney.
On Thursday evening he attended the official launch of their Seven Spice Gin by Hickson House.
The three-course dinner offers spectacular dishes
And wonderfully paired cocktails
Located in Sydney’s The Rocks, the beautiful distillery is hosting a unique three-course dinner on June 8, June 15, June 22 and June 29, designed by celebrity chef Sean Connolly.
Located in the center of the boutique distillery amidst copper stills and whiskey barrels, guests will have the opportunity to meet Hickson House’s Head Distiller Tim Stones and spirits expert Mikey Enright, while enjoying spectacular food and wonderfully paired cocktails.
Starting next week, the Hickson House Cocktail Hour will run Tuesday through Friday from 4-6 p.m., featuring two-for-one on a range of Seven Spice Cocktails.
For more information and tickets for the Hickson House Distiller’s Table Vivid 2023visit them website.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet Hickson House’s Head Distiller Tim Stones (center) and spirits expert Mikey Enright (right). Pictured with celebrity chef Sean Connolly (left)