New I’m a Celeb contestant Colin Fassnidge says he’s been ‘set free’ after 10 years with MKR

After 10 years on My Kitchen Rules, Irish chef Colin Fassnidge says he’s finally free to be himself on TV for a stint on I’m a Celeb.

Toni Pearen, Colin Fassnidge and Abbie Chatfield on I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here!

Former My Kitchen Rules star Colin Fassnidge says he could finally be himself on television after entering the jungle as the latest contestant on I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.

The Irish chef claimed he’d been “set free” after 10 years with MKR on Channel 7.

“It’s one of these once in a lifetime things, I went in and I was just me,’’ he said.

“It’s not like when you were on Channel 7 and you were told what to say and had to say it. That’s not who I am really. I think people get to see that basically I’m an idiot. Every day I just said right, you’re in it, let’s have some fun.

“I’ve been set free put it that way.

“MKR was a great 10 years but they would only let you go so far. They wouldn’t change what you wanted to do and wouldn’t let you do anything else, so no point if you’re not happy.

In saying that I would work for Channel 7 again if they offered me a job.”

Fassnidge was a late inclusion to the line-up after controversial chef Pete Evans was sacked by Network 10 the night before filming began over his latest scandal.

Manu Feildel, Pete Evans and Colin Fassnidge for Channel 7's MKR: The Rivals.

“Well I actually got asked eight weeks before it and did an interview for the show and I said no, and then they asked me again right near the end and I had a chat to my kids and they said why not, you always said you could do that.

“I’ve worked with (Pete) for 10 years. We’re friends, I know his kids, his kids know my kids.

You don’t have to agree with everyone’s principles but he’s a nice guy. You can’t work with someone for 10 years and not get on.

“One man’s loss is another man’s gain.

“I’m known as being fiery but I just woke up every day and said you’ve got to enjoy it.

“It was very tough and it was a pressure cooker of emotions.

“Would I do it again, I’m not sure. But I’m so glad I did it.”