CELEBRITY chef Jean-Christophe Novelli sought comfort in fine French cuisine at the Artichoke, Old Amersham, after losing to Gary Rhodes in ITV series Hell's Kitchen.

Mr Novelli's first thoughts after exiting the show focussed on food.

Minutes after leaving the London television studios the "exhausted" Frenchman called head chef Laurie Gear from his car to reserve a table for him and his new fiance Joanna on Thursday, May 5.

Mr Gear said: "It was a real compliment that he chose to eat his first meal here to celebrate his freedom.

"He rang me as he was leaving the studio and said I will be there in 25 minutes.

"He said he was really tired and very hungry."

Mr Novelli ordered a saffron ravioli with rabbit and prunes on sauted leeks and watercress sauce, with a roast fillet of veal, on herb gnocchi served with sweetbreads, baby spring vegetables and black truffle sauce.

His fiance enjoyed hand-dived Scottish scallops, with artichoke veloute, orange cardamom and vanilla reduction artichoke crisps.

The couple cleared their palates with a passion fruit and kiwi sorbet and for the all important sweet, the famous dessert-lover chose a warm dark chocolate fondant, with confit of Seville oranges and orange Cointreau jelly.

Mr Gear, who regularly entertains Mr Novelli and his family at his restaurant, said he was dying to know the truth about his relationship with rival Gary Rhodes.

Mr Gear said: "He told me he was actually quite friendly with Gary and didn't have a problem with him at all, but the cameras just picked up on the stress of a normal kitchen and the toll of the long days with only three hours sleep a night.

"He was only taking one day off after finishing the programme then flying off to Ireland on business."