Interview with BBC Celebrity MasterChef 2023 contestant Mica Ven

What made you want to do Celebrity MasterChef?

You know what, I feel like that title of being a MasterChef is very sexy. There's just something about it. I really wanted to do this and show off the culinary skills that I have. I'm an amateur, but, you know, I can cook!

What was it like walking into the MasterChef kitchen?

Walking into the kitchen for the first time was definitely nerve-wracking because John and Gregg are there. Getting to know them from that first challenge kind of eases the nerves a little bit.

How have you prepared to take on the challenge?

I prepared by cooking to a timer because that's something I've never done at all. So I've prepared by sticking my timer on, seeing how long I take and measuring - I never cook with measurements. I normally just fling everything in. So that’s how I've been preparing.

What do your family think of your cooking?

My family think I'm really good cook. They do. They like my food and I know they're not lying because they would tell me if my food isn’t nice. They genuinely kind of gas me up and make me think that I'm a good chef. So, hopefully they're not liars!

What would be your desert island dish?

If I was trapped on a desert island. Oh, God. One thing? That's mean! Maybe a really nice burger with cheese oozing out the sides with some caramelized onions. That’ll do.

What are the three things you always have in your fridge and why?

I've always got garlic, chicken slices and eggs. Because if all else fails, you just make a sandwich! And there’s always bread!

Favourite dish to cook at home?

Anything West Indian. I like cooking Jamaican food. Anything with colour. I like my brown stews, so chicken, fish.