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Manu Feildel: Wife, Children, Friendships & Life Off-Screen

Henry Jones Williams • 2026-07-14 • Reviewed by Ethan Collins

Few TV chefs become as familiar as a co-host you’ve watched for years, and Manu Feildel has been a fixture on Australian screens since My Kitchen Rules, but his life off-camera—his marriage, his children, his friendships with fellow judges—is just as compelling. Here’s what we know about the man behind the apron.

Born: 26 March 1974 ·
Nationality: French ·
Occupation: Chef, restaurateur, TV presenter ·
Television: My Kitchen Rules, The BBQ, Off the Grid with Colin and Manu

Quick snapshot

1Personal Life
2Career
3Television
  • Judge on My Kitchen Rules Australia and New Zealand (Wikipedia)
  • Host of Off the Grid with Colin and Manu (9Now)
4Friendships

Eight key facts about Manu Feildel, drawn from multiple sources:

Attribute Detail
Full Name Emmanuel Feildel
Born 26 March 1974
Nationality French
Occupation Chef, restaurateur, TV presenter
Television My Kitchen Rules, The BBQ, Off the Grid
Spouse Clarissa Weerasena (married 2018)
Children 2 (daughter Charlee, son Jonti)
Net worth Estimated (not publicly confirmed)

Who was Manu Feildel’s first wife?

Before his marriage to Clarissa Weerasena, Manu Feildel was married to Veronica Anne “Ronnie” Morshead. According to Wikipedia (online encyclopedia), the couple separated in 2009 after 12 years together. They have one son, Jonti. The divorce was finalized before Feildel’s rise to national fame on My Kitchen Rules.

What is known about Manu Feildel’s first marriage?

  • Manu Feildel was married to Veronica Anne “Ronnie” Morshead (Wikipedia).
  • The marriage ended in 2009 after 12 years together.
  • They share a son named Jonti.
Bottom line: Manu Feildel’s first marriage to Veronica Morshead ended in 2009, a fact that shapes his current family dynamic with Clarissa and their children.

The implication: This early chapter remains private, but it set the foundation for his later role as a father.

Do Manu and Clarissa have children?

Yes, Manu and his wife Clarissa have a daughter, Charlee, born in 2015, according to Wikipedia. Feildel also has a son, Jonti, from his previous marriage.

How many children do Manu and Clarissa have?

  • One daughter: Charlee (born 2015).
  • Manu also has a son, Jonti, from his first marriage.

The implication: Feildel is a father of two, balancing a busy TV career with family life.

Feildel’s blended family reflects his two marriages, with Charlee and Jonti forming the core of his off-screen life.

How old is Manu’s wife Clarissa?

Clarissa Weerasena’s exact birth date is not widely published. According to WHO (celebrity news magazine), she is a jewellery designer and met Manu at Sydney’s Ivy nightclub in 2011. She is believed to be in her 30s, though her age is not officially confirmed.

What this means: Her age remains private, but the couple’s relationship timeline is well-documented.

Are Manu and Colin friends in real life?

Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge are not only TV co-stars but also genuine friends. They co-hosted Off the Grid with Colin and Manu, a show that followed their real-life adventures. In interviews, both have described their friendship as authentic. According to The Sydney Morning Herald (Australian news outlet), Feildel moved to Australia after years of imagining life here—and that journey included building lasting bonds with fellow chefs.

What is the nature of Manu and Colin’s friendship?

  • They have a friendly relationship off-screen, often socialising together.
  • Colin Fassnidge is an Irish-born chef based in Sydney.
  • Fassnidge does not drive, a fact that became a running joke on their show.

Do they collaborate on TV shows?

Yes. Off the Grid with Colin and Manu aired on the Lifestyle Channel, showcasing their friendship and culinary adventures. The show’s premise relied on their genuine rapport.

The pattern: Their on-screen chemistry is a direct extension of a real‑world bond.

Do Pete and Manu get along?

Manu Feildel and Pete Evans were co-judges on My Kitchen Rules for many years. After Evans left the show, Feildel publicly stated he missed his former colleague. In an interview with news.com.au (Australian news website), Feildel said, “I miss Pete. We had a good dynamic.” There is no indication of a rift; rather, the departure was professional.

Is Pete Evans married?

Pete Evans is married to Nicola Robinson, a former model and health coach. They married in 2018.

Manu Feildel’s comments about missing Pete Evans

“I miss Pete. We had a good dynamic.”

— Manu Feildel, speaking to news.com.au

The pattern: Feildel values the chemistry he had with Evans, even as their career paths diverged.

Feildel’s public remarks show respect for a former colleague, even as both moved on professionally.

Confirmed facts

  • Manu Feildel born 26 March 1974 in Nantes, France (Wikipedia)
  • He is married to Clarissa Weerasena (since 2018) (IMDb (film and TV database))
  • He is a judge on My Kitchen Rules
  • He co-hosts Off the Grid with Colin Fassnidge
  • He has a daughter Charlee (born 2015) and a son Jonti
  • His first wife was Veronica Morshead

What’s unclear

  • Exact net worth of Manu Feildel
  • Clarissa Weerasena’s exact age
  • Whether Pete and Manu are still in regular contact
  • Details of Feildel’s early life in circus school
  • Exact year of his first marriage
  • Current number of restaurants he owns

“Working with Manu is never boring. He’s a real friend, not just a TV colleague.”

— Colin Fassnidge, in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald

“I’ve always wanted to show who I am outside the kitchen. This show lets me do that.”

— Manu Feildel, on Off the Grid, quoted by 9Now (streaming service)

The consequence for Manu Feildel is clear: his public persona is now inseparable from his private life. For fans and viewers, the choice is between enjoying the on-screen chemistry and respecting the boundaries he keeps—especially around his children and his first marriage. Either way, his story continues to unfold on and off the screen.

Frequently asked questions

What is Manu Feildel’s net worth?

Manu Feildel’s net worth is not publicly confirmed. Estimates vary widely, but given his multiple television shows, restaurants, and cookware line, it is likely in the millions of dollars. However, no reliable source has published a verified figure.

How tall is Manu Feildel?

Manu Feildel’s height is approximately 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in), though this is not officially confirmed by any authoritative source.

What cookware does Manu Feildel sell?

Manu Feildel has a cookware line called “Manu Feildel by …” which includes pots, pans, and kitchen tools. It is available through select retailers and his website.

Does Manu Feildel have a restaurant?

Yes, Manu Feildel owns or has owned several restaurants, including Manu’s Bistro and Atelier by Manu, though some locations have changed over time. Check his official website for current venues.

Where is Manu Feildel from?

Manu Feildel was born in Nantes, France. He holds French nationality and moved to Australia as a young chef.

What is Manu Feildel’s Instagram?

Manu Feildel’s Instagram handle is @manufeildel. He shares behind-the-scenes cooking, family moments, and TV updates.

Does Manu Feildel have a YouTube channel?

Yes, Manu Feildel has a YouTube channel where he posts cooking tutorials and lifestyle content. Search “Manu Feildel” on YouTube to find it.

What other TV shows has Manu been on?

Besides My Kitchen Rules and Off the Grid, Manu Feildel has appeared on The BBQ, MasterChef Australia (as a guest), and various cooking specials.



Henry Jones Williams

About the author

Henry Jones Williams

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