LYN ELLBOURN
The Port Pirie, South Australia, school teacher, 60, is cooking up a storm with her teammate, Sal Caputo, on My Kitchen Rules (airs Sun. at 7pm and Mon. to Wed. at 7.30pm; Seven). Here, the reality contestant reveals what it’s like being on such a big show.
Why did you sign up for My Kitchen Rules? I actually applied to go on with another friend, Kate. We were reminiscing about a friend who had died, and because we all loved cooking, we thought, “Let’s do it for Jen.” In the end, however, Kate wasn’t able to do it. I was telling a girl at work and she said to ask Sal.
Which teams did you get on with?
Our group [Group 2] got on very well. It was incredible because we’re all different ages and from different walks of life. We became really close with Bianca and Pat. Pat is hilarious. He is like the naughty boy at school. I just loved the way Bianca didn’t like Pat and would tell him. But they didn’t kill each other, so I think there is a mutual respect.
What did you learn from the show?
I was blown away by some of the young ones and their cooking skills. It’s taken me all my life to cook. And to see the actual production was mind-boggling. To see the people involved and how long it takes to film just a second of the show – it’s such a huge production and you have no idea when you are watching it on TV.
How did it feel meeting the MKR judges?
I kept thinking, “Oh God, they are judging our food.” But you certainly pick up little tips along the way when the judges say things. Manu [Feildel] is a bit naughty; he is a bit of a joker. Colin [Fassnidge] challenges you in a way that would make you think, “OK, I need to do this.” I really liked the way he did that. I take my hat off to chefs. I will never complain again about my meal not coming out on time because they are under a hell of a lot of pressure.