CHEF Gordon Ramsay is stepping back from another luxury restaurant but denies his global empire is under threat.

CHEF Gordon Ramsay is stepping back from another luxury restaurant but denies his global empire is under threat.

The celebrity chef, 43, will no longer be involved day-to-day in the Maze restaurant in Prague's Old Town Hilton but his spokeswoman denied reports Gordon Ramsay Holdings was £10million in debt.

The firm is behind in its accounts for 2007 and has incurred financial penalties, according to Companies' House, which fined him £1500 after previous figures were more than a year late.

The chef's spokeswoman, however, claimed she was not aware of any fine having been paid.

Two other premises, in London, have already been put up for sale.

Yesterday his spokeswoman said: "Gordon Ramsay Holdings and the owners of Hilton Prague Old Town have mutually agreed to a change in their business relationship.

"Day-to-day running of the food and beverage operation will pass back to the hotel management with Gordon Ramsay Holdings offering support with regard to menu planning."

No one at the Hilton, where Ramsay's restaurant opened in 2007, would comment on the matter.

However, his spokeswoman strenuously denied rumours he would withdraw from other restaurants, including branches in Los Angeles, Paris and Florida.

She said: "The restaurants are doing very well, considering the economic climate.

"Bookings are up."