Celebrity MasterChef Season 18: James Buckley

BBC One’s highly popular show, Celebrity MasterChef, is returning for its 18th series. This summer, the competition is expected to be even more intense as famous figures from the world of music, comedy, drama, and show business compete for the title of Celebrity MasterChef 2023 Champion.

Over the course of six weeks, esteemed judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace will embark on a culinary journey, testing their taste buds and discovering which celebrities possess the palate and culinary prowess to impress them. These talented individuals will need to showcase their chopping, slicing, and cooking skills in order to have a chance at lifting the coveted Celebrity MasterChef trophy.

The competition begins with the Celebrity MasterChef Heats, and this week, the first five contestants taking on the culinary challenge are broadcaster and reality star Dani Dyer, actor James Buckley, comedian and actor Marcus Brigstocke, TV personality Mica Ven, and TV and Radio personality Richie Anderson.

Here James Buckley tells why he wanted to do the show and what his desert island dish would be.

What motivated you to participate in Celebrity MasterChef?

I’ve got to do something haven’t I? I haven’t been in a TV show for about five years, and it’s nice for the missus, get me out of the house for a little while.

Describe the experience of entering the MasterChef kitchen.

Really daunting. It’s really, really daunting and nerve wracking. I’m not good at competitions, I don’t really like them, but I’ve actually really enjoyed myself, which I’m quite shocked about, to be honest.

What steps have you taken to ready yourself for this challenge?

Very little preparation. I don’t cook much. I did a little practice, and the practice just confirmed that I’m rubbish at cooking!

How does your family feel about your cooking skills?

I don’t cook a lot at home. My wife cooks for me and the kids because she makes sure they’re fed properly and don’t get food poisoning and stuff like that. So, I leave it up to her.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what dish would you choose to have with you?

Chicken tikka vindaloo, chips, garlic naan.

What are the three essential items you always keep in your fridge and why?

Three things I always have in my fridge. Milk, beer and butter. They are definitely three things that are always in my fridge at any one time.

What is your favorite dish to prepare when cooking at home?

Cereal. I love cooking cereal, but even then, I get that wrong. The kids say I put too much milk in it.

Celebrity MasterChef Season 18 Premieres Wednesday 2 August at 9.00pm on BBC One.