A new series of Gordon Ramsay's hit cooking competition is to be made in Ireland.
Next Level Chef will be recorded at a new purpose-built sound stage in Ashford Studios, Co Wicklow creating the largest unscripted production hub in Ireland.
The hub will see an investment of more than €30 million by Fox Entertainment into the Irish audio-visual sector, and create over 300 jobs during production.
Award-winning chef, restaurateur and presenter Gordon Ramsay will be at the helm, with Next Level Chef produced by Studio Ramsay with BiggerStage as the production company.
The show is described as a "one-of-a-kind culinary gauntlet", set over three stories high.
Each floor contains a different kitchen with the ingredients matching the environment.
The cooks are all competing against one another with the goal of finding the food world's newest superstar.
'A county that I love'
Gordon Ramsay has said he is looking forward to filming here.
"Creating a global hub in Ireland for Next Level Chef really is an exciting opportunity," he said.
"Not only do I get to spend weeks filming in a county that I love, it also creates an appealing opportunity for our international partners from around the world," he added.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said today is a "momentous occasion" for international TV production.
"The last number of years have seen a surge in the sector which is now matched with unparalleled investment from Fox Entertainment and over 300 jobs in the creative industry," he said.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (centre) speaking at Ashford Studios in Co Wicklow as Fox Entertainment announced investment of more than €30 million into the Irish audio-visual sector. Picture by: Naoise Culhane"Ireland is perfectly placed to become a global hub for unscripted productions.
"Our membership of the EU, close proximity to the UK, strong cultural alignment with the USA and skilled workforce makes Ireland a favourable location for investment.
"The benefits from today's announcement will be seen not only in Wicklow, but across the whole creative industry in Ireland," he added.
'Ireland’s most creative companies'
Fox Entertainment CEO Rob Wade praised Ireland's growing industry.
"It has been an honour and privilege to partner with a number of Ireland’s strongest and most creative companies and talent over the past several years," he said.
"Their impact on our growing slate of unscripted and animated series has been substantial, allowing us to produce premium content in highly efficient and effective ways," he added.
The announcement follows a period of growth for international TV production in Ireland.
Fox has produced more than 60 hours of primetime US programming in Ireland in the last 18 months.
Series recently produced here include Beat Shazam, Name That Tune and Don’t Forget the Lyrics.
The new series of Next Level Chef is to be shown on Fox in the United States.
