Hastings entertainer putting cooking skills to the test in MasterChef

Mike Rowe is joining other contestants, putting their culinary skills to the test.

His participation fulfils a long-held ambition to take part in the long-running TV show.

Mike, 27, said: “I normally work as an entertainer for Disney Cruiseline and this last year I had a bit more spare time on my hands.

“I do enjoy the show. I saw the application to take part and thought, finally I have time to take up this opportunity.

“I didn’t expect to get anywhere near as far as I did. Hearing from the production team and getting a chance to take part in the show was something I have always wanted to do.”

The latest series of MasterChef started a few weeks ago and Mike will feature on Wednesday (March 17) at 8pm on BBC One.

Mike added: “I make a langoustine dish, as I wanted to try to include seafood from Hastings in it, with the fishing huts being a stone’s throw from my door.

“They filmed the show last October and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

“It was incredible and everything I wanted it to be, the right amount of stress and the right amount of fun.

“Cooking has always been a passion of mine, at least since I was 11 when I was cooking dinner for my family.

“I love making curries at home, with the smell that fills the house. I like cooking dishes that take a long time and i can taste them as I go along.”

* Got a story? Ring reporters Richard Gladstone on 07803 505794 or Stephen Wynn-Davies on 07393 754494.

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