Jodie Ounsley for Celebrity MasterChef 2025 / BBC
Age: 24
Known For: Gladiators‘ Fury
Why did you want to take part in the show?
“I wanted to do Celebrity MasterChef because I really want to challenge myself. I’m comfortable in sports, rugby, Gladiators, presenting, but when it comes to cooking, it terrifies me. I’m all about encouraging kids to do things that scare them so I’ve got to take my own advice and do a challenge like this! My attitude is, if I can get through the first day, that’s all I’m aiming for, and then anything else is an absolute bonus.”
How does your cooking go down with friends and family?
“It’s questionable to the point where they absolutely laughed at the thought of me coming on to Celebrity MasterChef, because it’s so out of my comfort zone. I think they’re looking forward to being on the show and hopefully finding a love for cooking, which will be a miracle if I do!”
What is your favourite dish to cook vs. your favourite to eat?
“Being an athlete, it’s about fuelling your body for training, so to cook it’s got to be anything with eggs, all that protein. My favourite food to eat has got to be a curry. I absolutely love curry and it’s filled with memories of my family coming together, and having our comfort meal.”
What is your ultimate comfort food and why?
“Again it has to be a curry! It’s always my go to go to meal. Then a risotto because that’s the first meal I learnt to cook, and it’s just a tasty, comforting meal.”
This week’s Celebrity MasterChef continues Tuesday at 8pm on BBC One and is available from 6am on Monday via iPlayer.
