The final episode of Celebrity MasterChef crowned a history-maker: RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Ginger Johnson. Her victory wasn’t just a win for her, but a first for the show, as she became the first drag queen to take home the coveted title after a fiercely contested final round.
The challenge was immense – a three-course meal crafted in just three hours, demanding everything the celebrities had learned throughout five weeks of intense culinary competition. It was a chance to showcase not just skill, but the heart and soul they’d poured into their MasterChef journey.
Ginger’s menu was a vibrant homage to the 1970s, a “contemporary 1970s dinner party” as she described it. She began with a Bloody Mary prawn cocktail, immediately earning praise from judge John Torode who declared it “absolute brilliance.”
The meal continued with a perfectly executed duck a l’orange, accompanied by delicate hasselback potatoes, building anticipation for a grand finale. That finale arrived in the form of a flaming Baked Alaska, a dazzling display of skill and showmanship.
For Ginger, food wasn’t a new passion. It was a legacy, instilled by parents who encouraged exploration and a willingness to try anything in the kitchen. MasterChef simply ignited a new level of dedication.
“Being part of this competition has pushed me to be adventurous,” Ginger explained, “trying to bring the creativity that I find in the rest of my life into food. I’ve caught the bug for the food and the competition.”
The episode also marked a poignant farewell for John Torode, who judged his final MasterChef episode before stepping down. Grace Dent, his co-judge, publicly acknowledged his contribution, calling him her “brilliant sidekick” in a heartfelt Instagram post.
Torode responded with warmth, expressing his affection for Dent, a sentiment that resonated with fans who’ve enjoyed their on-screen chemistry. He praised Ginger’s win, noting her delicious food, playful presentation, and undeniable skill as a cook.
Dent herself lauded Ginger’s cooking as “intriguing, inventive, exciting, imaginative,” highlighting the unique flair that set her apart. Ginger, still reeling from the win, confessed to being utterly shocked, initially expecting only a fun experience, not a championship title.
“I cannot believe this,” she exclaimed, “I really thought I was going to come here and have a laugh. I can’t wait to tell my mum and dad. I’ve actually learned a real-life skill!” The victory was a testament to her dedication and a celebration of culinary creativity.
