Hell’s Kitchen chef, Marco Pierre White is to follow in the footsteps of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and launch his own American reality TV show.

Variety.com reports:

“Chopping Block,” to be exec produced by David Barbour and Julian Cress, will feature would-be chefs competing as couples in a bid to win their own restaurant.

The eight couples chosen for the series will be split into two teams, with each team assigned side-by-side restaurant spaces in Manhattan. They’ll then be charged with reality-style tasks, such as designing the space and generating buzz for their establishments.

A panel of judges will evaluate the contenders’ efforts. Professional food critics will review the restaurants and render a verdict the next morning.

One couple from the worst-performing eatery will be sent home each week.

NBC reality chief Craig Plestis said snagging White was key because the chef gives the show “credibility times 25,” as well as the larger-than-life personality so vital in reality TV. Read more & comment »