Former ‘Bachelor Canada’ star Brad Smith to helm ‘Chopped Canada’

TORONTO – Former “Bachelor Canada” star Brad Smith is the new host of “Chopped Canada.”

Shaw Media says the former reality star will take over the third season of the Food Network Canada show, due to premiere later this year.

Smith was the inaugural star of City’s “The Bachelor Canada” in 2012, and later became an entertainment reporter for City. Before that, he was a CFL player.

Producers say “Top Chef Canada” head judge Mark McEwan will join the judging panel, set to also include returning chefs Lynn Crawford, Massimo Capra, Michael Smith, Susur Lee and Roger Mooking.

Based on the U.S. series “Chopped,” the competition sees four chefs race against the clock to prepare dishes with surprise ingredients for a $10,000 prize.

“Chopped Canada” airs Saturdays on Food Network Canada.

Smith takes over from exiting host Dean McDermott, a tabloid magnet who made headlines for turmoil involving celebrity wife Tori Spelling. McDermott announced he was leaving the show earlier this year.

Producers say the third season will include a teen tournament, a food truck showdown, and the return of past contestants hoping to redeem themselves.