The kitchen held its breath as a new champion was crowned on Celebrity MasterChef, marking both a thrilling victory and the end of an era. RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Ginger Johnson shattered expectations, becoming the first drag queen to claim the coveted title.
This year’s finale was particularly poignant, serving as John Torode’s last judging appearance on the beloved BBC show. His departure, alongside Gregg Wallace, cast a shadow over the celebratory atmosphere, adding weight to every dish presented.
Ginger navigated five weeks of intense culinary challenges, besting fourteen other celebrities with a unique blend of artistry and flavor. The final showdown pitted her against rugby icon Alun Wyn Jones and presenter Dawn O’Porter, each vying for the ultimate culinary honor.
The pressure mounted as the finalists faced their most demanding task yet: crafting a three-course meal designed to encapsulate their entire MasterChef journey. Three hours stood between them and the judges’ final verdict.
New judge Grace Dent lauded Ginger’s creations as “intriguing, inventive, exciting, imaginative,” a testament to her bold culinary vision. The praise resonated deeply, confirming Ginger’s innovative approach had captivated the panel.
“I cannot believe this, I’m so shocked!” Ginger exclaimed, overwhelmed by the win. “I really thought I was going to come here and have a laugh. I can’t believe this is the end result.” The victory felt surreal, a culmination of unexpected skill and passion.
Torode, having filmed his final series before his departure, offered a glowing assessment of the champion. He praised Ginger’s ability to seamlessly blend presentation, fun, and exceptional taste, declaring her an “extraordinary cook.”
Ginger’s winning menu was a vibrant homage to the 1970s, beginning with a brilliantly executed Bloody Mary prawn cocktail. This was followed by a perfectly rendered duck a l’orange with delicate hasselback potatoes, culminating in a dramatic, flaming Baked Alaska.
Her culinary journey began with a childhood filled with experimentation, inspired by her parents’ encouragement to explore diverse flavors. MasterChef ignited a new passion, pushing her to infuse her creativity into every dish.
“Being part of this competition has pushed me to be adventurous,” Ginger reflected, “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 experience had transformed her, unlocking a hidden talent and a lifelong love for the culinary arts.
