CTV Fires Up the Schedule with Gordon Ramsay as MASTERCHEF Premieres July 27

- Famed Chef Gordon Ramsay brings a new culinary competition series to prime-time -
- Amateur cooks compete for kitchen glory -

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"This show has already been a huge hit in its native U.K. and Australia and has the feel of a series that could run many seasons." - Edmonton Journal

TORONTO, July 23 /CNW/ - Foodies rejoice! Chef Gordon Ramsay has joined the CTV family. Based on the international smash hit format, the famed culinary master Ramsay introduces a sizzling new cook-off competition series MASTERCHEF, premiering Tuesday, July 27 at 9 p.m. ET on CTV (visit CTV.ca to confirm local broadcast times). After an extensive search for the best amateur home cooks, 50 hopefuls vie for the first-ever MASTERCHEF title.

Along with renowned co-judges restaurateur Joe Bastianich and chef Graham Elliott, chef Ramsay will challenge and coach the amateurs all the way to the finish line. Known for his explosive outbursts, Ramsay won't be afraid to tell the chefs the cold, hard truth about their cooking along the way.

** Media Note ** Download photos of MASTERCHEF at www.ctvmedia.ca.

In the premiere episode (Tuesday, July 27 at 9 p.m. ET), the cooking hopefuls have one hour to prepare their signature dishes and present them to the distinguished MASTERCHEF judging panel: Michelin-starred chef Ramsay; restaurateur and wine maker Bastianich; and the youngest four-star chef in America, Elliot. The judges are looking for passion, creativity and most importantly great flavour and taste. Only the most deserving home cooks who impress the judges will win the coveted white apron and advance to the next round of the competition.

The 50 cooking hopefuls vary in different backgrounds from teachers and homemakers to bartenders and medical consultants. For a full list of the final 50 participants, please visit our media site.

To view the complete release, please click here:

http://www.ctvmedia.ca/ctv/releases/release.asp?id=12767&yyyy=2010

*Source: BBC

For further information:

Jacqui VanSickle, CTV Inc., 416.384.5091 or [email protected]

Renee Dupuis, CTV Inc., 416.384.3154 or [email protected]