‘They still ask why I’m judging Celeb MasterChef’ - Gregg Wallace snaps back at critics

ok.co.uk:

After a heated five weeks of culinary chaos, sautéed successes and disastrous dishes, Celebrity MasterChef is about to crown its winner.

Judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode have been back on duty for their 18th series together – with the five finalists announced last Friday.

Emmerdale’s Amy Walsh and Love Island star Luca Bish will join singers Jamelia, Max George and Go Compare’s Wynne Evans in the last course of the competition. “The final five are so different in what they are – and that’s what’s so brilliant about it,” John says. “Amy is really passionate and has cooked for her family for a really long time, while Max is learning along the way – everybody will always remember his sticky toffee pudding.” As for the series’ biggest surprise, both presenters admit that they didn’t expect Luca to get this far. “I mean, where the hell did Luca come from?

It’s just incredible,” John says, with Gregg adding: “I didn’t know who he was before the show but his mum is Italian and his dad is a fishmonger so he’s been brought up with decent food all of his life. “Luca was quite guarded and quiet when he came in but as he got to know us and became more comfortable, we realised just how bright he is.” And despite performing on stage for a living, Jamelia was nervous in the kitchen. “I don’t know how many people she may have sung live in front of but that’s got to be far more scary than knocking up a dish for John and Gregg!” Gregg laughs, before admitting that he had a hard time convincing her to serenade him.