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The heartwarming story behind Manu Feildel and Clarissa Weerasena’s relationship

"We didn't see each other for another three months, then had some lunch. The rest is history."
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Thanks to his alluring French accent and culinary prowess, the swoon-worthy Manu Feildel, known for his role as a judge on My Kitchen Rules, has consistently captured the hearts of his devoted fans.

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However, in a serendipitous encounter at Sydney’s Ivy nightclub in 2011, the former SAS: Australia contender and MKR judge met Clarissa Weerasena, who would later become his wife. 

Clarissa confided to The Australian’s Women’s Weekly in 2016 that, at the time, she was blissfully unaware of the culinary luminary she was conversing with, shedding light on a delightful twist of fate.

“He comes up to me and says, ‘Your friend says that you can cook better than me,’ and I said, ‘I probably can,'” recalled Clarissa. “I thought, who the hell are you?”

 
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Manu and Clarissa met in 2011. (Credit: Getty)
“We met in a lift going to a nightclub in Sydney. She didn’t know who I was,” Manu shared with TV WEEK when recalling their momentous first encounter.
 
“We didn’t see each other for three months after that, then we caught up for a drink. I was nervous, because three months had passed.” 
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“We didn’t see each other for another three months, then had some lunch. The rest is history.”

However, it was Clarissa’s culinary talents that played a pivotal role in winning over the chef. After experiencing one of her exceptional creations, Manu was certain he had found his match.

“Clarissa ticked all the boxes – and that was the biggest box. I was like, thank God! She loves eating and she loves cooking – she’s perfect!” the French chef told The Australian Women’s Weekly.
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Clarissa and Manu wed in 2018. (Credit: Getty)

In 2013. Manu popped the question to the accomplished jewellery designer and the following year, the couple welcomed their first child together, a daughter Charlee. 

Charlee was Manu’s second child, with the French Chef sharing his eldest son Jonti with ex-partner Ronnie Morshead. 

After a four-year engagement, Manu and Clarissa tied the knot in January 2018 in what Manu described as a “beautiful intimate ceremony.”

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“I’ve often said don’t believe what you read in the press but now you hear it from the horse’s mouth, yes it’s true I am married!” he wrote on Instagram at the time.
 
“Last week I married the love of my life Clarissa in a beautiful intimate ceremony. We had a wonderful day surrounded by family and friends and lots of love and laughter.”
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“The rest is history.” (Credit: Instagram)
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These days, the happy pair regularly share updates with fans on Instagram, providing some sweet insights into their family life. 

In January 2023, Clarissa took to social media to celebrate the pair’s fifth wedding anniversary. 

“13 years together, 5 years married, a good share of ups and downs and a whole lot of love! All of me still loves all of you! @manufeildelofficial Happy Anniversary baba #stillinlove #allofmelovesallofyou” she wrote. 

Clarissa Feildel and Johanna Griggs.
Clarissa made her TV debut with Johanna Griggs on Better Homes and Gardens. (Credit: Instagram)
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After showing her prowess in the culinary world, Clarissa made her television debut in March 2024 on Better Homes and Gardens, with Manu sharing a heartwarming tribute to his wife’s first cooking segment.

“A HUGE congratulations to my amazing wife @clarissa_feildel, my rock, the ying to my yang for a great debut on the TV stage. I have no doubt she is going to kick ass on @bhgaus with her delicious Asian recipes and I can’t wait for you to meet her. P.S: she is a way better cook than me,”

Following her debut, Clarissa has joined the series as a regular culinary presenter, with the Better Homes and Gardens star since bringing her top cooking tips to Sunrise.

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