Celebrity MasterChef 2024: Week Three's Line-Up of Culinary Challengers
Get ready for a sizzling new week in the Celebrity MasterChef kitchen as five familiar faces take on the ultimate culinary challenge. From the world of entertainment, modelling, and comedy, these contestants are ready to prove they can handle the heat.
This week's heats see TV personality Jake Quickenden, model and TV personality Christine McGuinness, actor Tamer Hassan, comedian Jamie MacDonald, and model Emma Thynn facing off in a battle for culinary supremacy.
The competition kicks off with the classic "Under The Cloche" challenge. Each celebrity will select a silver dome concealing a surprise ingredient, leaving them with just 60 minutes to create a dish that showcases their culinary creativity. Tonight's ingredients include duck, pear, and chicken livers, putting the contestants' skills to the test. The watchful eyes of judges John and Gregg will be hoping for five plates brimming with flavour and innovation.
The stakes are raised further in the "Dinner Party Dishes" challenge. Each contestant must prepare two exquisite plates of food, aiming to impress even the most discerning diner. With the pressure mounting to avoid being the first to leave the competition, the celebrities must ensure their culinary skills are up to par.
Meet the Celebrities
Christine McGuinness
Christine McGuinness, model and TV personality, is ready to step out of her comfort zone and embrace the world of food. Diagnosed with autism, she hopes to conquer her sensory challenges and inspire her children to explore the world of cuisine.
What inspired you to join Celebrity MasterChef? "I wanted to push myself and feel more comfortable around food. Being autistic, I have sensory issues, and food can be overwhelming. I want my children, who are also autistic, to feel confident trying new foods."
What was your first impression of the MasterChef kitchen? "It was terrifying! I've never been so nervous. Even compared to learning dance routines or Olympic sports, the MasterChef kitchen was scarier!"
How does your cooking go down with friends and family? "I mostly cook for myself and my children. We eat simple, beige food that's easy for us. Bread, plain pasta, chicken - that's our comfort zone. I don't think many friends would enjoy a dinner party at my place!"
Favourite dish to cook vs. favourite dish to eat? "My favourite dish to cook is Scouse, a Liverpool hotpot. I love making it because it's a family recipe. But my favourite dish to eat is simple toast!"
Emma Thynn
Model and TV personality Emma Thynn is a passionate home cook who's excited to take on the challenge of a professional kitchen.
What motivated you to join Celebrity MasterChef? "I've always loved the show and it's an honour to be part of it. I'm a keen cook, but I've never worked in a professional kitchen, so this is a challenge I couldn't resist."
What was it like entering the MasterChef kitchen for the first time? "It was surreal and terrifying, but amazing at the same time. Seeing that 'M' logo on the wall was a mix of emotions."
How do your cooking skills go down with friends and family? "I cook for my husband and children all the time. I love to experiment, but we stick to classic family favourites like roast chicken, salads, and pasta."
Favourite dish to cook vs. favourite dish to eat? "I love spicy food. I have a few family recipes like a Nigerian-inspired chicken dish. We cook a lot together as a family, it's a great bonding activity."
Jamie MacDonald
Comedian Jamie MacDonald is ready to bring his own brand of humour to the MasterChef kitchen, hoping to impress with his culinary skills, even if they're a little unconventional.
What made you want to do Celebrity MasterChef? "I've loved the show for years. I've always wondered if I could handle the pressure. I know I'm not good enough for the pro or non-pro shows, so celeb MasterChef is perfect for me!"
What was it like walking into the MasterChef kitchen for the first time? "It was like a first date - nerves, excitement, and a silent prayer that I wouldn't spill food on myself."
How does your cooking go down with friends and family? "My wife is a much better cook than me. Friends are a little disappointed when they find out I'm making dinner. I'm a recipe guy. I'm not adventurous. My wife can whip up a quiche with whatever's in the fridge, I'd probably serve a boiled egg with some hot courgette. But it would be well-seasoned, I'm from Glasgow!"
Favourite dish to cook vs. favourite dish to eat? "I love a roast dinner. It matches my working style: do as little as possible, then panic at the end. The best dish I've ever made was a Biryani from a Rick Stein recipe. It took two days, but it was worth it!"
Tamer Hassan
Actor Tamer Hassan is ready to bring his passion for food and experience in running a restaurant to the Celebrity MasterChef kitchen.
What made you want to do Celebrity MasterChef? "I've always loved the show and wanted to challenge myself. I find cooking therapeutic, especially cooking for others and hosting dinner parties. I've even owned a restaurant!"
What was it like walking into the MasterChef kitchen for the first time? "Terrifying! I knew the pressure was on and the challenges would be tough."
How does your cooking go down with friends and family? "My family and friends love my cooking! I do all the cooking at home, and I'm great at making a banquet out of a few ingredients. I love to experiment with herbs and spices and always cook with love."
What is your favourite dish to cook vs. your favourite to eat? "I love cooking lamb dishes, fresh pasta, and even Beef Wellington. My favourite dish to eat was my dad's seafood, he was a chef in the army. And my mum's cooking is always amazing!"
Jake Quickenden
Singer, actor, and presenter Jake Quickenden is ready to take on the challenge of improving his basic culinary skills.
What made you want to do Celebrity MasterChef? "I wanted a new challenge. I'm not a natural cook, so I wanted to learn and push myself. I've always loved watching MasterChef!"
What was it like walking into the MasterChef kitchen for the first time? "I was excited and a little nervous, but I felt comfortable as we started. It was fun!"
How does your cooking go down with friends and family? "My wife Sophie is the better cook. I rely on my air fryer and stick to dishes I know. I love how the show pushes you out of your comfort zone."
What is your favourite dish to cook vs. your favourite to eat? "I love a beef fillet when I go out, but I'm not good at making it. At home, I like to make burgers and pizzas."
This week's Celebrity MasterChef promises to be a culinary spectacle, full of delicious surprises and high stakes. Don't miss the action as these celebrities test their skills and battle for a place in the competition.
