WEEK TWO CELEBRITIES

The VIPs have arrived, as the who’s who of music, comedy, drama, sport and showbiz battle it out to become Celebrity MasterChef 2024, as the ever-popular series returns to BBC One. Over six weeks, 20 famous faces are throwing themselves into the biggest culinary challenge of their lives. John Torode and Gregg Wallace are putting their own taste buds through a sensory assault course, as they discover which celebrities have the palate and skill to chop, slice and sizzle their way to lifting the iconic Celebrity MasterChef trophy. It’s time for the second Heat week, which will see five brand new, but very familiar, faces enter the MasterChef arena.

Chloe Burrows - Reality Star

“My mum has always loved MasterChef so growing up I’ve always watched it. I dip in and out of cooking, mostly learnt from my nan when I was younger but lost all my ‘skills’ when I went to university - however, I can follow a recipe very well! I used to do ‘Come Dine With Me’ style competitions during lockdown, which I loved. I have always loved cooking when I have the time! I’m quite busy and very lazy now so I can’t cook as much, however no one can beat my peanut curry."

Danielle Harold - Actor

"I wanted to do MasterChef because I love cooking and enjoy learning to cook different foods. I’m not a very good cook, so I’m looking forward to what I’ll learn! My favourite food to eat is a stone oven pizza. My favourite food to cook is probably a roast dinner because it’s so easy. I’ve cooked it so many times, so I don’t have to worry about following a recipe, which I'm not very good at! I always have friends round for dinner and they say they enjoy my food, but you never know when it’s your friends!"

Eshaan Akbar - Comedian and Actor

“I've been cooking a lot more since my mum passed away and it's been a way for me to reconnect with her. In fact, wanted her to apply for MasterChef. I also watch cooking videos - mainly on social media. It all started with me making Christmas Dinner in 2014. So the first time I cooked was for the family - now just three compared to the huge parties mum used to throw. It was a success. My friends and family are impressed by my ability to make something from nothing! ”

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey - Gladiator and Team GB Sprinter

“I love food!! I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn new skills and see if my cooking is up to scratch! Walking into that kitchen was like no other! I had all the feels, excitement, fear all at the same time. I love cooking meaty dishes! Packed full of protein to supplement my training sessions. However, serve me a sweet treat and I’m all over it - a chocolate fondant is my absolute fave.”

Rochenda Sandall - Actor

“The reason that I wanted to do Celebrity MasterChef was to compete, first and foremost. Cooking is something I love to do at home. I'm a self-taught cook. It wasn't at the forefront of home life when I was a kid, so I got a natural, organic interest in cooking. I wanted to see how good I was, so I joined MasterChef. Walking into the MasterChef kitchen for the first time was terrifying because it's basically like walking into your TV. It was fun though, and John and Gregg are so welcoming. We were all terrified! We didn't dare put our aprons on at first for some reason in our Heat. We were just stood there like a deer in the headlights! But it was brilliant - all the gadgets they've got and all the plates that you get to choose from were great. It was a very exciting experience."


Images: BBC/Shine TV. The Celebrity MasterChef series continues Tuesday
20th August, and will be available to watch on BBC One and catchup on
the BBC iPlayer.