Phil Vickery crowned 2011 Celebrity MasterChef champion
Sunday 23rd Oct 2011
Former England rugby captain and James Grant client Phil Vickery has won the 2011 BBC Celebrity MasterChef title.
The 35-year-old father of two was competing against journalist Kirsty Wark and actor Nick Pickard in Saturday's final on BBC One.
Judge Gregg Wallace said Phil had "serious" talent.
His three course menu included a starter of scallops, followed by lamb fillet with fondant potatoes, and a dessert of orange and chocolate bread and butter pudding and clotted cream.
The ex-rugby player's starter was served with black pudding, pea shoots, crispy Parma ham and apple puree, while his main course included baby carrots, asparagus wrapped in mint and Parma ham.
Phil said he was "gobsmacked" at his victory, and added: "I never ever thought for one second I'd have it in me to be champion - who says miracles can't happen?"
Judge John Torode said: "Phil has got something very, very special. He wants to feed people to make them happy and that is what a true cook is all about."
Wallace added: "He's a great big bloke with a heart to match and he fell in love with food during this competition."
The finalists had to overcome a series of challenges which included catering lunch on set for the entire cast and crew of the Bafta award-winning drama Spooks, in the confines of a mobile catering truck.
LINKS