FIRST SERVE
Sir Andy’s mum Judy ‘can’t cook’... but still joins TV’s MasterChef
SHe took on Strictly come Dancing with enthusiasm, if little success.
But Judy Murray has not let the experience sour her after she signed up for another tV stint, this time on celebrity Masterchef.
the 60-year-old mother of Sir andy Murray is said to be taking on the culinary contest, having tried her hand at ballroom dancing on Strictly come Dancing in 2014.
Mrs Murray, who helped coach her tennis superstar sons andy and Jamie to pro level, will reportedly appear as a contestant to have her efforts scrutinised by judges Gregg Wallace and John torode.
the series, which is said to have already been filmed, is expected to be broadcast on BBc one in late summer.
a source told the Sun: ‘Producers thought it was a massive coup to bag Judy for the tV contest. Judy has a big fan base and a lot of older women respect her, so they will tune in.’
the fact filming has already taken place means the show’s production will not be hindered by the coronavirus pandemic, which has led to the cancellation of other popular shows.
other celebrities who have taken part in Masterchef include Pussycat Doll kimberley Wyatt, broadcaster and journalist Janet Street-Porter and last year’s winner, 2012 olympic gold medallist long jumper Greg rutherford.
it is reported that top Gear host chris Harris will also take part in the 2020 edition of the programme.
Participation will undoubtedly have posed a challenge for Mrs Murray, from Bridge of allan, Stirlingshire, who has spoken in the past of her culinary struggles. in 2018, she told You magazine she did not care for cooking, and was more interested in finding a man.
‘i cannot cook!’ she admitted at the time. ‘My mantra was, “there’s no need to cook so long as there’s a Marks & Spencer in this life.”
‘But a cookery course in italy is on my list of things to do, so there’s hope for me yet.
‘My mum is an amazing cook and baker, but it never rubbed off on me. You might see me on celebrity Bake off one day doing it very badly. that could be a giggle.’
an exceptional junior player herself, Mrs Murray studied French and business studies at edinburgh university and worked in retail management and sales before becoming a full-time tennis coach in 1994.
She was also captain of the Great Britain Fed cup team – the female equivalent of the Davis cup.