While watching a recent season of “Worst Cooks in America,” chef Gabriele “Gabe” Bertaccini made a note on his phone to talk to his agent about hosting one of Food Network’s signature offerings.
“And then I forgot about it for, like, six months,” Bertaccini, co-host of the network’s Tuscany-set “Ciao House” tells USA TODAY. “And then my agent calls me.”
Bertaccini, 39, leaped at the chance to be a part of the “iconic show with the iconic Anne Burrell.”
Burrell, known for having no appetite for nonsense, a megawatt smile and coiffed platinum locks, has served as mentor for all but one of the show's 29 seasons. The series returns July 28 (9 ET/PT, streaming the next day on HBO Max). Burrell died June 17, and “Worst Cooks in America: Talented and Terrible” will be Burrell’s last season, and Bertaccini's first.
Anne Burrell cause of death revealed after Food Network star dies at 55
