BBC Masterchef star Marcus Wareing's devastation after dad's death - and star who stepped in with support
ok.co.ukCelebrating a decade on MasterChef: The Professionals, Marcus Wareing has shared his poignant journey through this landmark year, which was marred by personal loss. "My dad had passed away, in March [before filming]," the 54 year old chef revealed. "And I had some really tough times where I needed help." In these challenging moments, he found support from his MasterChef family. "I remember Monica’s mum had passed away in the first year that I started – now this is my 10th year and it was my dad.
I remember how tough it was for her to step up to the plate and do her job. It’s such a difficult time and it was the same for me.
Monica, Gregg [Wallace] and [executive producer] David Ambler were there to help. It’s not an easy time when someone so close to you, who champions you doing this job, is not there." Despite the heartache, returning to the show's kitchen was still "an absolute honour" for Marcus, especially after witnessing what he describes as the best skills test of the series. "When someone listens to what they’ve been asked to do, doesn't try to impress you too much but cooks a super dish, it just puts a big smile on your face and you can’t wait to see what they do next," he shares with a sense of pride.
Monica gushed, "Marcus and I get so giddy when we see a couple of chefs walk through those doors, under that pressure, and deliver a great skills test.
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