‘I'd love to present Blind Date!'

As Judi Love returns to the MasterChef kitchen, she looks back on a memorable year

- STEVEN MURPHY

The last couple of years have seen comedian and Loose Women star Judi Love gain an even higher profile thanks to appearances on Celebrity MasterChef and Strictly Come Dancing. And when we chat about her return to the famous kitchen, she admits it’s all been a whirlwind.

“I feel I’m just sort of holding it together,” she says. “If I did sit down and think about everything, I’d have to take a week off just to cry tears of joy.

“However, I’ve a date tonight so I’d better not,” she adds with a laugh. “I mean, you’ve got to get them in first, before you let them see the ugly cry-face, haven’t you?”

Before heading off, the 41-year-old talks cooking, Covid and becoming the new Cilla…

How was it returning to MasterChef for the Christmas special?

I was so excited, but it’s hard work. Everyone was a bit like, “Why are we putting ourselves through this again?” But I love cooking, so it was more of a pleasure for me.

Any memorable rounds?