Interview with Remi Burgz Celebrity MasterChef 2023 week 2 contestant

What made you want to do Celebrity MasterChef?

It’s just a great place to learn and I feel like everyone who takes part in the show leaves different to the way they entered. They’ve always learnt something new. So, I thought why not get stuck into it? I learn on the go and I'm a practical person, so I thought this is the best way for me to learn how to cook.

How did it feel to walk into the kitchen for the first time?

It is as big as it looks on TV. I liked it though. It is actually a proper kitchen. John and Gregg look exactly the same as they do on the TV, which is always good! They were both very smiley and inviting, but also there to let us know that this is real. It was like ‘welcome’ but also ‘it's about to get real.’

How have you prepared for the series?

The good thing is I didn’t have too much time to prepare. I just had to try and brush up on a few things!

What does your family think of your cooking?

Well, I'm not the person they go to when it comes to cooking. Usually it’s my brother or my mum or dad. I'm pretty sure if you asked them, they wouldn't embarrass me, but they would say it’s so-so. I’m the person you call to go and get the ingredients, so that's my specialty – or getting the soft drinks!

What is your Desert Island Dish?

Salmon with a side of Salmon. If it comes with a cocktail to wash it all down, I'll have a Pina Colada please.

What are three things you always have in your fridge at home?

Definitely butter, smoked salmon, because it's always good for breakfast, and oat milk.

What is your favourite dish to cook at home?

Egg, anything with egg. Fried, sunny side up, scrambled. I wouldn't say I'm good at making an omelette. I always try, but just haven't got there yet.