Philippe Etchebest, the renowned chef best known for his role in the cooking competition show Top Chef, is gearing up for the much-anticipated launch of the show’s 16th season. In an exclusive interview on Buzz TV on March 25, 2025, he shared insights from his childhood in the Ardennes and discussed the evolution of his career, alongside the shifts happening within the M6 broadcasting group.
This season of Top Chef promises to be particularly exciting as Etchebest returns to the jury, joined by other culinary luminaries including Hélène Darroze, Paul Pairet, Glenn Viel, and Stéphanie Le Quellec. Premiering on March 26, 2025, the new episodes will incorporate a unique feature this year: inspectors from the Michelin Guide will visit anonymously to assess the competitors' dishes. Their evaluations will contribute to determining the overall winner, who may earn their first Michelin star—a prestigious accolade in the culinary world.
Etchebest, who has been with Top Chef as a jury member since its inception in 2015, has had a rich history within the show. However, he revealed during the interview that he will not participate in one of its signature challenges, La Boîte noire. "Ca revient, sauf que je ne la fais pas tout simplement parce que je me suis fait opérer du genou et que, à ce moment-là, je boitais beaucoup," he explained. This surgery impacted his ability to perform physically demanding tasks during filming, a challenge he had to face head-on.
His comments come amid a wave of adjustments at M6, particularly concerning the arrival of popular television host Cyril Hanouna, who is set to debut his daily show on W9 and Fun Radio starting September 1, 2025. The coming transition raises a lot of curiosity and concern within the network. Many, including Etchebest, have been asked to weigh in. "J’ai été sur Touche pas à mon poste au tout début de Cauchemar en cuisine. Franchement, je n’ai pas à juger ce que fait M6. C’est eux qui décident," he stated, reflecting a professional but detached stance on potential controversies looming over Hanouna's entry into the broadcaster's lineup.
While discussing changes within M6 and his own responsibilities, Etchebest commented on juggling multiple roles in his life. Managing three restaurants in Bordeaux, partaking in Top Chef, and contributing to his rock band, Chef and the Gang, has led him to make tough decisions. "Malheureusement, j'ai dû arrêter faute de temps, parce que c'était compliqué de tout assumer," he noted, referring to the cancellation of Objectif Top Chef, a spin-off he hosted for eight years which aimed to discover new talent for the main show. "Ça devenait compliqué. À mon plus grand regret, parce que j'aimais faire cette émission, partager des moments de transmission avec les jeunes. C'était vraiment super," he reminisced, emphasizing how much he valued that time spent with aspiring cooks.
As a jury member, his commitment to etching his expertise into the competition is palpable, yet Etchebest remains acutely aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The chef, who tends to shy away from the spotlight when it comes to matters beyond the culinary realm, stressed that while media appearances can be enjoyable, his true passion lies in running his establishments and curating experiences for his customers. "Je m’en fous si vous saviez!" he exclaimed, calling attention to his focus on the culinary career over television stardom.
Etchebest’s candid remarks provide a glimpse into the life of a celebrity chef who is aware of the pressures that come with his fame and the industry’s expectations. As the return of Top Chef approaches, viewers can look forward to a season filled with culinary challenges, expert reviews, and perhaps a few surprises along the way, all under Etchebest's established guidance and experience. With so much happening, fans will be eager to see how each contestant will rise to the occasion in what promises to be a thrilling continuation of a beloved cooking saga.
