Producers of the smash RTÉ reality show The Restaurant have reportedly banned Marty Morrissey from appearing on the programme in the future.

There is rumoured to have been a major bust up between Morrissey and members of kitchen staff during the filming last summer, at the Wineport Lodge in Glasson, Co. Westmeath, of the wacky GAA commentator’s first appearance on the programme as a celebrity chef. The programme is to be aired this Sunday night on RTÉ1.

DEATH THREAT

An insider claimed yesterday that Morrissey:

• HURLED a kipper at pastry chef Louise Lennox
• TOLD Maitre’D John Healy that he ‘could have him killed.’
• THREW a very expensive plate at the wall in anger.
• BELITTLED Chef David Workowich’s desire to write a biography of silent film star Lillian Gish.

“The chefs were complaining that Marty’s face was curdling the milk and making the onions cry,” the insider revealed. “Marty told them to lay off his appearance, but this only made things worse. They then started to criticise his menu, saying that it needed an overhaul if it was to impress the diners, among them several respected figures from the arts. Marty was having none of it, and threatened to walk off the show if a single ingredient was changed. The atmosphere remained heated all day, he and John Healy almost came to blows over complaints from diners that shouting from the kitchen was spoiling the mood. Marty was roaring and screaming about the inappropriate food safety guidelines being followed with the supplied trout and the fact that a single brussels sprout had somehow made its way into his dessert. The cameraman had to step in. It was real handbags at dawn stuff.”

SEX ROMP

Sources claim that Morrissey was caught earlier that day in a steamy sex romp with two Swedish backpackers on the grounds of Wineport Lodge. A member of the crew allegedly disturbed Morrissey’s steamy outdoor session with the buxom blondes, while sourcing herbs for the menu. “Marty was browned off when his fun was spoiled. It’s because of that that he was in a confrontational mood for the rest of the day. People who know Marty are careful never to come between him and a piece of tail.”

Producer Regina Looby has refused to comment on claims that Morrissey has been banned from the programme.

“Ireland’s a small place,” said another source. “They were hoping to have Marty on again at least another three times. After all the hassle he caused the bosses won’t allow him next or near it in the future.”

Morrissey, 82, has also refused to comment.

THE EVENING HERALD