He is known as the macho celebrity chef with a hard-man reputation.

But Gordon Ramsay wouldn't speak to The Argus when he was filming in Brighton yesterday because he was told he wasn't allowed to.

The chef was taking part in a follow-up programme for Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares at Momma Cherri's Big House in Little East Street, Brighton.

Although he was happy to pose for pictures and sign autographs for passersby, he wouldn't speak to The Argus unless it was agreed with Channel 4.

A producer told The Argus we could not interview the star because it would interrupt filming.

She said: "You needed to have the permission of Channel 4 because he is tied into a contract."

Passers-by were shocked to hear Ramsay wasn't allowed to speak to The Argus.

Al Sharp, 25, of Goldstone Lane, Hove, said: "I don't think it's very fair that Channel 4 won't let you speak to him.

"I work opposite the restaurant so I knew he was going to be filming there.

We've all been talking about it.

"He's a brilliant chef but I think he turns it on a bit for the show and it's getting a bit boring."

Meanwhile other people had mixed views about the chef.

Simon Harrison, 40, from Brighton, said: "I didn't know he was filming.

"He was quite fresh and amusing when he used to abuse people at first but it is old hat now and he swears too much.

We still watch his shows at home though as he is addictive viewing."

Katie Rowe, 42, of Tilstone Street, Brighton, said: "I'm a fan of his and I like his programmes and the food he cooks.

"He's amusing and quite charismatic.

I was going to see if I could book a table at Momma Cherri's but every time I try it's fully booked."

Momma Cherri's was an intimate 40-seater venue when it was originally featured on the programme in December 2004.

Specialising in soul food, Charita was producing a menu of ethnic cuisine traditionally eaten by African Americans from the Southern US but she was facing financial disaster. After Gordon's visit she had a spectacular change in fortune by moving to a bigger premises a few doors down.

But the expansion has brought on a new set of challenges and Charita is still struggling to control her staff and manage her success.

This time round Gordon will take viewers to the culinary coalface and find out whether Charita has followed his advice or fallen back on her old ways.

As the crew started filming outside the restaurant yesterday people stopped in their tracks at the sight of the celebrity chef.

The episode will be shown on Channel 4 on December 19.