‘John Calls My Cooking Mum Food!'

Actress Lisa Faulkner couldn’t be busier right now. As well as starring in EastEnders, the 2010 Celebrity MasterChef winner also has a new book out, hosts a regular slot on This Morning and is mum to Billie, 10. Here, Lisa, 45, chats work, cooking with her MasterChef judge partner John Torode, 51, and more…

- Christine Smith

You’re starring in EastEnders – that’s so exciting! 

I’m so happy – it’s an iconic show. With my role, there’s a lot of business speak, so I spend all of my time asking John, ‘What does that mean?’

Tell us about your new book… 

Food has always been an icebreaker for me – it’s that immediate rapport. I have always got my recipes from speaking to people and I thought it would be a really nice starting point to share my friends’ go-to special meals.

What’s your top dish? 

I have got so many! I love doing linguine pasta bake because my daughter likes it. There are lots of vegetables and mozzarella in it. Sausage and sourdough is another favourite. Most of my recipes have come from my mum.

You sadly lost your own beloved mum when you were 16. That must have been hard. 

Yes, but Billie made it all better. What I love is the fact there are so many different ways of being a mum and we should celebrate that.

Does your daughter love cooking?