Gordon Ramsay, Reveille Launch 'Master Chef'

Fox, Gordon Ramsay and producer Reveille are teaming up to bring the hot international cooking format "Master Chef" to the United States.

The network has made a series commitment to the chef-themed show, which will be produced by Reveille and Ramsay's One Potato Two Potato unit.  The deal comes just five months after Reveille parent Shine confirmed to UK trade Broadcast plans to revive the "Master Chef" brand, which was originally produced for the BBC more than a decade ago.

The trade said Shine and Reveille would use the red-hot Australian version of "Master Chef" as a template for the U.S. marketplace. The Aussie take on the format is more like an "American Idol" for top chefs.

Fox said it was too soon to discuss details of the format or episode count. It also hasn't been decided just what sort of on-screen role Ramsay ("Hell's Kitchen") will play in the new series-- though he will appear on-camera.

Cooking competition shows remain hugely popular in the States, with Fox's "Hell's Kitchen" and Bravo's "Top Chef" both considered major hits. Bravo is planning a third spinoff of "Top Chef" next year, while Ramsay has several other projects in the works-- including a live cooking show planned for December.