Ashley Cain for Celebrity MasterChef 2025 / BBC
Age: 35
Known For: Former footballer and TV personality
Why did you want to take part in the show?
“I never in a million years thought I’d be in the Celebrity MasterChef kitchen, and when I got this opportunity, it seemed to come just at the right time. I’ve got two beautiful sons now so I want them to have a smile on their face every time they’re at the dinner table and make sure that when my family come out to my house to eat, they can eat something lovely, while having a laugh and having fun, and create memories that will hopefully last a lifetime.”
How does your cooking go down with friends and family?
“If I’m completely honest, I’ve never thought I was a great cook, but that doesn’t mean that I thought I was a bad one! I’ve never had any complaints from family or friends when I cook and I have people around at my house pretty much every single weekend. I’ve never also had a lot of praise either, so it must mean that it’s edible, it’s not poisonous!”
What is your favourite dish to cook vs. your favourite to eat?
“I’d say my favourite thing to cook is fillet steak, and it’s also one of my favourite things to eat. It’s really quick, it’s really simple, and if you can master the art of cooking one it’s absolutely delicious.”
What is your ultimate comfort food and why?
“My ultimate comfort food would probably be curry goat, rice and peas and fried dumpling. It’s just really tasty and filling, plus it’s rich, so after you’ve eaten it all you want to do is sit on the sofa with a blanket and watch some movies with the people you love.”
This week’s Celebrity MasterChef continues Tuesday at 8pm on BBC One and is available from 6am on Monday via iPlayer.
