Celebrity MasterChef Lisa Faulkner: Mary Berry is my inspiration

In 2010, actress Lisa Faulkner decided, on a whim, to take part in Celebrity MasterChef. She enjoyed cooking – a passion inspired by her late mother – and it was a hobby that she was really rather good at.

But she had never considered taking it up professionally, and entering the BBC reality show was only ever supposed to be a bit of fun.

Fast-forward five years and, after walking away with the MasterChef crown, Lisa’s career has taken a U-turn. The 43 year old, who started out as a model before finding fame in TV series such as Dangerfield and Holby City, has stepped away from acting altogether. 

She’s now a full-time TV cook, presenting shows such as Real Food Family Cook Off, What’s Cooking? and regular strands on This Morning. She’s also published three family cookbooks, including the bestseller, Recipes From My Mother For My Daughter.

Lisa returns to our screens this autumn with a new cookery strand on This Morning, a second instalment of Coastal Cottage, which last year saw her travelling around Devon and learning how to cook local specialities.

This time, she’s heading to Pembrokeshire to whip up traditional Welsh fare, as well as soak up the spectacular natural scenery.

Lisa, who has an adopted nine-year-old daughter, Billie, and who has recently moved in with MasterChef judge John Torode – her partner of two-and-a-half years – admits that she still can’t believe her luck at the direction her career has taken.

Here, she takes time out to chat to Kirsty Nutkins about her new series, her food heroes and what John really thinks of her cooking skills…

What was it like filming Coastal Cottage in Pembrokeshire? 

I hadn’t been there before and it was absolutely beautiful. It took my breath away. I had such a great time making it that I’ve decided to go back with my daughter, Billie. She’d love it.  

Tell us about the dishes you’ll be making…

I watch a local make traditional Welsh cakes and then create my own version, and I make my own Pembrokeshire lamb pasties. I also try a leek and cheese bread and butter pudding and a fish pie. Welsh food is basically comfort food, which is great for autumn. 

Did you fall in love with the landscape?

The places we visited were stunning. One of the most memorable days was horse riding from Nolton to the beach at Druidstone. Riding on the sand was incredible. We had the entire beach to ourselves.   

Did you get to know the locals? 

I met some real characters. And everyone was so lovely and kind and friendly. You get used to living in the city where nobody looks at anybody else; it can feel a bit cold. It was nice to be somewhere so warm and welcoming.

Are there plans for further instalments of Coastal Cottage?

Yes, we’re talking about doing another – this time in Scotland.

You’ve filled in for Holly Willoughby on This Morning recently, too. Is that something you’d like to do more of?

I loved it and had such a great time. I was presenting with Ben Shephard, who is one of my oldest friends, and who I’ve worked with before. This Morning is somewhere I feel very comfortable; it’s a lovely job to do.

Is it fair to say that taking part in Celebrity MasterChef changed your life?

Yes, definitely. I didn’t expect it to change my life quite as much as it has done when I signed up for it. I’ve always cooked and I know lots of people who do, but don’t pursue it as a career.

When I took part in MasterChef, I developed a thirst for knowledge and then I found myself wanting to do it for a living. Everything else came naturally from there. I feel so lucky.

Are you inspired by TV chefs and bakers, such as Mary Berry?

I love Mary. She’s an amazing woman and I’ve met her many times. I grew up with her cookbooks in my family. She’s my inspiration and I would love to have a career like hers.

Do you have any more books planned?

I’m planning a fourth at the moment, but won’t begin writing it until the New Year. It’s all in my head at the moment, but it will be a family recipe book like my others.

What does John think of your cooking? 

Well, as John made me the MasterChef champion, he thinks I’m rather good! 

Who does most of the cooking in your house?

It’s handy living with a chef, but we do share the cooking and there’s never any judgment.