A TV3 Junior HeadChef series hosted by Donegal chef Conrad Gallagher has been postponed to allow him time to sort out his financial affairs.
The TV station is said to be unhappy that two of the Letterkenny man’s restaurants went bust last month owing the taxman €160,000.
There was also an unsavoury row over unpaid wages to members of staff at some of his restaurants.
Junior Head Chef was to have featured up and coming cooks aged between 13 and 18.
It was due to be broadcast this autumn – but unhappy television executives have postponed the show until 2012 to allow Gallagher to sort his financial affairs.
Salon de Saveurs in Dublin and Conrad’s Kitchen in Sligo both closed down last month.
It is understood employees of both claim they are owed wages.
The top chef – a former Michelin star award winner – continues to operate the Dining Room at La Stampa in Dublin.
A TV3 source told donegaldaily.com: “The relationship between us and Conrad is fine, but we do have concerns over some of the bad publicity surrounding him in recent weeks.
“It was felt that it would be better to postpone the next Junior series to allow for some outstanding matter to be resolved.”
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