In the food industry, Darren Robertson is a big deal. The owner of Three Blue Ducks restaurants has won a swag of awards − and acclaim – for his innovative cuisine.
He’s done a little TV work in the past and has two cookbooks under his belt. But Darren likes to keep his private life under lock and key.
Until now, that is. Joining My Kitchen Rules as a guest judge this week, Darren,
40, admits he’s not at all prepared for TV fame.
“It terrifies me,” he tells TV WEEK. “I loved doing the show. It’s a privilege, but it’s [fame] not the reason I got into this business.
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“It’s awesome to have books and be on the telly, but the fame thing? I approach it with a healthy amount of scepticism.”
Right now, he likes that, “nobody knows me and nobody cares”.
“People say your life is going to change, but I can’t imagine it,” he says. “I don’t think I’ll change that much. I’m not going to be coming out of nightclubs at 3am.
“In terms of lifestyle, I’m still going to be changing nappies!”
Those nappies come courtesy of 14-month-old Archie, Darren’s son with long-time love Magdalena Roze, a former TV weather presenter.
Darren describes “Magda”, 34, as the family manager and admits she played a big part in his transition from the kitchen to the camera.
“It can be overwhelming with the zillion cameras and lights, but Magda’s a pro,” he says. “Before I filmed MKR, she told me, ‘Just enjoy yourself – you’ve been chosen because you know about food and you’ve got lots of experience – and that’s it.'”
Darren and Magda divide their time between Sydney and Byron Bay.
With restaurants in both locations, as well as Magda’s TV and blogging work, the pair are kept busy.
However, they’re already looking forward to another new project.
“Magda’s not pregnant, but we are ready for it,” Darren laughs.
Fatherhood is a role the British-born chef says he was born to play.
“I never thought I’d love being a father this much,” Darren enthuses. “It’s mental – it just keeps getting better and better.”
