It’s that time of year when Masterchef reappears on TV, and whatever the series, home cooks, professionals, celebrities, we love watching it. The series being shown now is the celebrities trying to prove what good cooks they are (or not!) and although we know very few of them, it’s still interesting to watch. To be honest, I only knew of three of them – and only with the barest of details of who they were, two DJs and singer, because we don’t watch much TV! There are number of contestants described as ‘personalities’, a couple of presenters, some models, some actors, a sports person and a dancer. However, it’s seeing these people, masters of their own profession, with varying experiences of cooking, coming into the Masterchef kitchen and suddenly finding themselves right outside their comfort zone!
There were several singers/pop stars, a couple of “personalities” and influencers, some media folk including a blind contestant, a couple of actors, a dancer and a sporty person -all competent and assured in their own rôles but suddenly overwhelmed and nervous at having to cook under pressure with unknown ingredients, and observed by the judges. It’s interesting seeing what food and dishes they produce, but more interesting to see how they cope with such an unfamiliar and nerve-wracking challenge! As we watch we begin to have favourites – those who are nervous but battle through, those who are perplexed by what ingredients are before them but rise to the challenge, using their imagination and transferable skills, and those who are just endearing because they may be pretty hopeless but they keep on trying and listen to advise!
I’ve no idea who will win – anyone can have an “off” day, or have unexpected mishaps, or misjudge time or get in a flap. Sometimes it’s slow and steady wins, sometimes it’s a shooting star – performing well from the start. Not this time, but in the past, some contestants have become grumpy when things go badly, or annoyed with themselves and have a bit of a tant, or are over-confident and almost arrogant – and then are somewhat crushed when their efforts aren’t applauded! However, this time, everyone has seemed cheery and pleasant and encouraging to their fellow competitors.
I think next week will be the semi-finals – and no doubt some unexpected challenges, and then the nerve-wracking final when the three remaining celebrity chefs will go head to head to head! Good luck to them all!
My featured image is from the cover of a 1980’s food magazine, ‘Á La Carte‘.
Lois Elsden 