Viaplay Commissions Celebrity MasterChef

Viaplay is bringing the reality format Celebrity MasterChef to the Netherlands for the first time starting this fall.

Produced by SimpelZodiak, a Banijay Benelux company, the 12-episode first season sees ten Dutch personalities taking on a series of culinary challenges in front of an all-star jury and competing to become the next Celebrity MasterChef.

The jury consists of Soenil “The Spicy Chef” Bahadoer, founder of the renowned De Lindehof restaurant, which received its second Michelin star in 2014; Angélique Schmeinck, one of only two female Dutch Mastercooks (the country’s most prestigious culinary title) and head chef for 12 years at the Michelin-starred De Kromme Dissel; and Joël Broekaert, a well-known food critic, columnist and TV host.

Viaplay launched in the Netherlands on March 1 with a combination of original productions, international films and series, kids content and premium live sports.

Filippa Wallestam, NENT Group’s chief content officer, said: “High-quality local productions are a key focus for Viaplay in all our markets. Viewers everywhere have been enjoying the famous MasterChef format and its spin-offs for over 30 years, and Celebrity MasterChef will be an ideal addition to Viaplay’s fantastic menu in the Netherlands.”