Manu Feildel: 'I had depression'

He's the charismatic celebrity chef who always brings a smile to the face of every My Kitchen Rules contestant, but Manu Feildel has now opened up about his private battle with depression.

The 42-year-old says the closure of two restaurants in 2014 took a toll on his emotional wellbeing, telling TV Week magazine: 'It was tough... I lost my pride, my money and went through a stage of depression".

Manu's Sydney restaurant Manu at L'Étoile Restaurant & Bar closed over three years ago, and his Le Grand Cirque eatery in Melbourne only lasted a few months.

"I got back on track because of my friends, family and the job (as judge on MKR) I have now," he says of his recovery.

Fans are currently seeing Manu on television as a judge on My Kitchen Rules alongside Pete Evans.

And his screen portfolio is only expanding, after he revealed he's landed his first acting gig.

Speaking to Be earlier this year, the chef said he will be making the transition from the small to the big screen with a role in Australian flick The BBQ.

Starring alongside the likes of Shane Jacboson and Magda Szubanski, the popular personality will be playing "an arrogant French chef", and he gets to keep his sexy accent.

"I've got my first shot being an actor," Manu proudly told Be.

"I’m starting filming in a couple of weeks, so I’m excited about that."

The father-of-two is known for making fans swoon with his French accent, and he's thrilled he'll get to maintain that element of himself on the big screen.

"Actually I don’t have to act much, because I’m going to be an arrogant French chef," he laughs.

The food mastermind is known for dabbling in an array of projects that extend beyond the kitchen, including his 2011 stint on Dancing With The Stars, which he eventually won.

But it looks like Manu has hung up his dancing shoes and is sticking with the apron, saying he hasn't been using his smooth moves "as much as I should".

"I don’t really go out anymore, I’m pretty much working and a family man and the party times is all gone," he tells Be.

Fellow My Kitchen Rules judge Pete then chimed in, "You might have to break out a dance move at the BBQ in the movie", to which Manu responded, "I probably will, with my barbie and a pair of thongs".

For confidential help, call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au/

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