Celebrity MasterChef 2023: Dave Benson Phillips

A who’s who of music, comedy, drama, and show business are set to battle it out this summer for the title of Celebrity MasterChef 2023 on BBC One’s 18th season of the ever-popular Celebrity MasterChef.

TV host and entertainer Dave Benson Phillips, musician Max George, radio host Remi Burgz, comedian Shazia Mirza, and award-winning comedian and broadcaster Terry Christian are this week’s five celebrity cook-off contestants.

Here Dave Benson Phillips tells us why he wanted to take part and what is desert island dish would be.

Why did you decide to participate in Celebrity MasterChef?

Mrs Phillips made me! She’s a big fan of the show and she’s always nagged for me to be on it. I never thought it would happen and I did harbour a secret longing to be on it but didn’t tell anybody. So, you can imagine my surprise when I was called by the show. When I was called, they said ‘Dave, what are you doing? Would you like to achieve a life’s ambition?’ and I thought, right, I’m going to go on MasterChef. So here I am, hoping to learn skills and make new friends. I’m just looking forward to being part of the MasterChef alumni.

How did you react when you first stepped foot in the kitchen?

Walking into the kitchen is nerve-wracking. You’ve seen it on television and you think your brain can handle it. I walked in with the other celebs who are taking part, looking around to my left and seeing Gregg Wallace and John Torode and it just all of a sudden got very real.

How do your loved ones rate your culinary creations?

The kindest quote from Mrs Phillips would be that it is a ‘work in progress!’

Tell me about your favourite home-cooked meals.

My favourite go-to dish is chicken. I’m always cooking chicken and pretty much all other meats: lamb, beef, a bit of pork every now and again and a few veggies to go with it.

What would your desert island dish be?

I wouldn’t necessarily cook it myself. There is a kebab house near where I live, which does the best kebabs. I normally get a mixed grill from there because it lasts me about two and a half days. It’s just got everything in there, so that would do for me.

What are the three essential items that are always stocked in your fridge?

Chicken, gin, tonic. Those are the three things I always have.

MasterChef this week airs Wednesday, Thursday and Friday on BBC One.