Gary Mehigan: My mystery ingredient...my wife!

The star chef has found the perfect recipe for a happy family life.

From his days as an ambitious young cook slaving over hot stoves in London restaurants to his celebrity status as a judge on Australia’s top reality show, chef Gary Mehigan has come a long way. And he owes it all to his wife of 20 years, Mandy. Not the type to revel in the spotlight, ever-smiling Mandy is the love of the MasterChef judge’s life, his touchstone and his always reliable reality check.

“I couldn’t do it without her,” says Gary of his hectic life, which includes running two restaurants and being dad to Jenna, 10. “She keeps everything going. But when I’m home, I cook and I love that.” Gary and Mandy, both 44, met as “penniless” students in southern England, where Gary studied cuisine and Mandy was preparing for a career in administration.

“I fell in love with her straight away,” Gary recalls. “It was those big blue eyes of hers.” For young Mandy, the instant attraction was Gary’s sincerity. “What appealed to me was he was just a genuinely nice person,” reveals Mandy in a rare interview. “I mean, he was a boy when I met him, but he was very genuine and loving – that’s never changed.”

With Gary moving to London to break into the restaurant world, the couple barely saw each other. “He worked incredible hours,” says Mandy. “We had one day a week together, Sunday – and sometimes Monday night. But we were meant to be.” When Gary did propose – after a romantic meal at the Michelin-starred restaurant in which he worked – it was still a big surprise.