I was scared about frying blind
Celeb MasterChef ace lost sight at 18
AMAR Latif tonight becomes Celebrity MasterChef’s first blind contestant – in one of the most “terrifying” experiences of his life.
The entrepreneur and travel presenter used to live on simple readymeals pinged in the microwave.
He even turned down previous offers to appear on the show as “ridiculous” due to his lack of culinary skills. But he changed his mind after meeting bosses and then spent hours practising.
Amar, 45, said: “It was one of the most terrifying two weeks of my life.
“I worked and worked and worked. I can’t believe how I did it.”
Having lost his sight aged 18 due to a genetic condition, he relies on having kit and ingredients “super-organised”.
He says he can tell when dishes are ready by the “incredible” sounds they make while cooking and has learnt to present them beautifully.
Amar, who lives in Leeds, added: “The show has changed my life.
“I invite friends home, and make lovely things and I present it well.
“Because I was blind, I thought you just put stuff on the plate and eat it.
“I didn’t realise there was this world of presenting food in such a nice way.” But Amar, who grew up in Glasgow as one of five children, fears some viewers will not believe it is all his own work.
“They won’t realise a blind guy is able to produce presentable food,” he said.
He is up against actress Felicity Montagu, musician Lady Leshurr and TV hosts Gethin Jones and Jeff Brazier. ■ Celebrity MasterChef is on BBC1 tonight at 9pm.