The info below is courtesy via Channel 7 Australia!
First coming to our attention on the second season of The Real Housewives of Melbourne, Pettifleur is a successful property developer, company director and self-published author.
Born in Sri Lanka she first made her way to Australia working as a travel agent and saving enough money for a one-way ticket to Melbourne. Her mantra is to work hard, have confidence in yourself and "kick butt from the ground up".
Outspoken and not one to shy away from confrontation, the 52-year-old is set to bring some glamour and bite to Hell's Kitchen.
What made you decide to take part in Hell's Kitchen Australia?
About six years ago, I lost my love for cooking, and I think Marco is THE MAN who would be able to give me that passion that I need to start again. I loved cooking and entertaining for people. I would cook anything that makes people lick their fingers. However, I found myself doing so much of it, that I just eventually got to a point where I thought 'I can't do this anymore'. I thought all that time in the kitchen is not worth it because at the end of the day I am sitting there totally exhausted from all the clean-up and the preparation, serving up, everything.
I also wanted to do this for my kids. I don't want them to look back and think 'my mum couldn't cook'.
What are you expecting from Marco Pierre White?
Firstly, I am going to be pretty star struck by his presence. Just being in the room with him, listening to his amazing accent and the fact that he is a God when it comes to cooking. It's a privilege and an honour to be in the same room sharing a kitchen with him. I'm pretty damn excited.
Are you worried about your competition from the other celebrities?
I'm not worried about anything really. I work very well in a team and very respectful to people but if they are disrespectful to me of course I'm going to get my back up.
There's two ways I could react, either not give a damn, say 'it's not worth my energy' or I would stand my ground and tell them exactly how I feel. You know, wear big girl or big boy panties and fess up to what needs to be said.
You are no stranger to reality television; is there anything you have learnt that will serve you well in Hell's Kitchen?
The one thing I know about reality TV, is that you just don't pretend to be something that you're not... That's how I see it, if you have to kick someone in the backside then do it.
A good dish is....
Made with a lot of love. Hopefully salted too!
Hell's Kitchen Australia Season 1 airs Sunday nights at 7:00pm and Monday-Tuesday nights at 7:30pm on Channel 7 in Australia.
Source/Photo Credit: Channel 7