The My Kitchen Rules judges revisited their rocky start on The Dom Harvey Podcast, describing how public criticism eventually gave way to a knock on a hotel-room door and an overdue apology.

Colin put his earlier behaviour down to ego. He recalled being a younger chef who fired off opinions, while Manu said his future co-star sometimes spoke before considering the consequences.

It is a long way from their relationship today. In the same conversation, Manu said Colin would be one of the first people he would call if he needed help. Colin spoke about how much it means when Manu notices he is struggling and offers a hug.

The Dancing With The Stars Dig

One particularly sharp memory involved Manu’s Dancing With The Stars appearance. Dom read back Colin’s old criticism of the move, including his objection to Manu continuing to describe himself as a full-time chef.

Manu remembered the remarks clearly. What hurt was that they came from someone he did not know; friendly teasing would have landed very differently.

Colin, meanwhile, admitted he had repeatedly turned down invitations to compete on the dancing show himself. The man with plenty to say about reality television would soon find himself learning how difficult it could be.

Manu Helped Him Find His Feet

Manu explained that he had considered leaving MKR while juggling a restaurant, a separation and lengthy stretches away from home. Bringing in another judge was proposed as a way to ease the workload.

Discovering that the extra judge would be Colin was quite the twist. Rather than greet him with hostility, Manu welcomed him and offered help.

Colin’s early television experience was difficult, and Manu’s support changed the relationship. At the end of that stint, Manu recalled Colin coming to his room to apologise for how he had behaved.

“I’m not ashamed to say sorry to people,” Colin said.

Their long days working together have since become familiar territory. Colin also credited becoming a father with softening his outlook, remembering how parenthood shifted his priorities beyond the kitchen.

Manu’s account of the turning point was wonderfully ordinary: a colleague he had chosen to help knocked on the door, owned his behaviour, and became a friend.