Firstly, I need to apologise profusely for not having had time to write my column for the last two weeks, it’s been hectic to say the least and I’m glad the cat is finally out of the bag. I should point out that this may be a spoiler for some of you cooking show fans so stop reading now, but last Friday night, I was crowned Celebrity MasterChef Champion 2017. It’s still a little surreal as I’ve been a massive fan of the show for years and never in my wildest dreams did I think a) that I’d be on it and b) that I’d win! I am so happy that all the hard work I put in has paid off, especially as I’ve always loved food and cooking.

The show was filmed quite a few months back and only my husband knew I was taking part. I wasn’t too sure about it at first as he had already been on the show five years earlier and had made it to the final three. I mean, who needs that sort of pressure before even picking up a spatula? However, I decided to go for it and chose not to tell anyone about it. All was fine until a few months later when all the names of those taking part were released to the press and that’s when all the questions started coming ten to the dozen. Have you filmed it already? What did you make? Do you know who wins? I must apologise now to friends and acquaintances who I’ve told fibs to over the last couple of months, but I had no choice! Hopefully all is forgiven.

Now my phone is inundated with friends asking to come around, not to see us specifically, but to have both my husband and I cook them dinner. We seriously need a bigger kitchen now and may have to get an extension sorted sooner rather than later! I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been so supportive whilst the show has been on and been so pleased for me winning. Thank you all so much.