New Hell's Kitchen chef Marco Pierre White does not know if he will be able to cope with the stress of taking part in the show.

The fiery 45-year-old was known for his short temper and foul mouth before he decided to retire from kitchen duties eight years ago. He has admitted that training celebrities for the ITV1 reality series could bring out his angry side.

"I haven't cooked in eight years," Marco told Radio Times. "Have I mellowed? That's for everyone to wait and see, isn't it? Including myself."

Rival chef Raymond Blanc, whose new show The Restaurant starts on BBC Two tomorrow, recently warned Marco not to bully his celebrity contestants.

Marco insisted: "I'm not there to belittle people, I am there to inspire and guide people."