COLIN & MANU WE NEED TIME APART!

The MKR judges spill the beans on their backstage arguments and being banned from social media

- Words: Lucy Croke. Pictures: Jeremy Greive.

They've spent years judging the best and worst home cooks in New Zealand and Australia, but for MKR hosts and acclaimed chefs Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge, their off-camera relationship is just as tasty as the meals on the table.

"We're like a married couple," laughs Irish-born Colin, 51. "We even need separation periods after filming because we're ready to kill each other. But then we miss each other and hang out again."

The two famous foodies admit the longest they've gone without talking is a month.

"We both agreed we needed a break," explains Manu, 51, who hails from Nantes, France.

But in this season of MKR Australia, their bromance is back on and a meat-versus-vegetarian showdown at the start is just a tasty entrée to the fiery, dramatic feast to come, the pair promises.