For three seasons now, international cooking sensation Nigella Lawson has coached, guided and inspired contestants on MasterChef Australia alongside fellow judges Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris.
However, despite all her accolades, the culinary queen who arrives on set this Sunday, says she fears she wouldn’t make it very far in the competition, declaring she’d crumble in the kitchen.
“I don’t think I could cope with the pressure,” she tells TV WEEK. “I can deal with pressure in general, and need to write under pressure, but I cannot cook under pressure!”
“I don’t think I could cope with the pressure,” Nigella admits.
Indeed, the 59-year-old concedes she doesn’t have the makings of a MasterChef winner.
“I think the most important basic requirement is an excellent palate,” she reveals of what it takes to come out on top.
“On top of that, what’s absolutely necessary is an unflinching work ethic and the ability to absorb new lessons quickly.
“Also, to blossom rather than wilt under pressure, and the ability to be able to bounce back from failure and to learn from mistakes, not be dragged down by them.”
Nigella says MasterChef contestants need to “blossom” under pressure.
Meanwhile, Matt, George and Gary admit they’ve got it pretty easy as the judges on the high-pressure cooking show.
Matt tells TV WEEK he ‘loves’ the job.
“We’re not doing it for the money, let’s be honest,” he says. “If you love your job, then you’re never going to work a day in your life.”
The flamboyant food critic admits he’s humbled to be part of the series, despite the gruelling film schedule.
“Yes, we work long and we work hard, but at the end of the day it’s a privilege to be on the show,” he says.
George, Matt and Gary love their roles as judges.
MasterChef Australia airs Monday to Thursday, and Sunday, 7.30pm, on Network 10.
