Gordon Ramsay gets in touch with his softer side

Controversial potty-mouthed chef Gordon Ramsay is apparently trying to ditch his hardman image and show a softer side.

Writing about his new series Gordon's Great Escape, which sees him travelling and cooking his way across India, the Guardian.co.uk's Word of Mouth blog quotes the show's production company Optomen as saying:

As well as a journey of discovery we’ll gain insights into the real Gordon Ramsay. We’ll see a very different side to the nation’s favourite chef: more thoughtful, confessional, and open-minded. 

Hmmm, forgive me if I'm a little sceptical but could this new approach to his public persona be due to an attempt to rehabilitate a reputation damaged by a series of scandals, including the infamous episode with Tracey Grimshaw, and the financial woes of Gordon Ramsay Holdings? And will anyone buy it after seeing him on screen in Hell's Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares? I guess only time will tell.

I'll certainly be interested in hearing from the man himself when he starts tweeting on Feb 1st.