AJ PRITCHARD Strictly professional

Why did you want to take part in Celebrity Masterchef?

Cooking’s a real life skill, but I’d only ever really cooked to survive. From only being able to cook scrambled egg and chicken with microwavable rice, I can now cook three or four good, solid meals. All thanks to Masterchef!

are John and gregg harsher critics than Craig revel Horwood? No one has ANYTHING on Craig when it comes to harsh critique! John and Gregg give what I call ‘constructive criticism’. If they say something’s bad, they’ll tell you why and how you can improve.

Then comes the warning: ‘Don’t forget that – or else!’

Being a dancer, are you extra competitive on the show?

I’m incredibly, slightly over-the-top competitive, so whenever there’s an opportunity to practise cooking, I do. My dad’s never eaten so well! Going from being a pro on Strictly to being a student on Masterchef is a real role-reversal, but I love it. during your heat, you’re sent to cook in a real restaurant kitchen.

How does that go?

In situations like that, I get an adrenaline rush and become so excited. It’s all about how you perform under pressure, especially when you’ve got paying customers. I was a lot hotter in my chef’s whites than I am in my outfits on Strictly. At least I didn’t have to worry about getting fake tan on them!