What made you want to join the judging panel for this series?
Mary Berry! The fact that I’d get to work with her, who wouldn’t want to do that?

Tell us about The Eliminator Challenge - what is it, how do you come up with each challenge, what are the main skills, what will impress you the most?
It’s the decider round and determines who has to leave. As it gets further into the competition the cooks get better and better and it becomes harder for them and us. I look for skill, taste and the ability to plan. We give them a recipe but that’s it - the rest is up to them.

What do you want to see in the series that will really impress you? And what do you not want to see?
I want to see a home cook who makes delicious, tasty food, something that sets them apart. It’s great to see creativity and confidence, but simplicity shouldn’t be overlooked - sometimes the best dishes are the ones that are simple, yet brilliantly executed.

What do you think makes a great home cook?
It’s as much about the enjoyment and passion as it is about the final product. A great cook can take simple ingredients and turn them into something delicious.

What was your favourite home-cooked meal growing up?
Everything. I was very lucky to have had an array of people around me who cooked brilliantly. I learned a lot from them.