A former Perthshire student has bagged a place in the Finals Week of Masterchef.
Ex-Glenalmond pupil Claire Fyfe secured her spot in next week’s grand finale of BBC One hit show Masterchef after wowing a panel of critics, as well as hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace, on Thursday night’s episode.
The series 16 climax will be shown next week and filming for the first section took place in the tropical island of Mauritius.
Interior designer and trainee Pilates instructor Claire cooked up mackerel, served with celeriac slaw, rhubarb and vanilla sauce, pickled rhubarb, horseradish cream and dill oil.
Claire, 34, prepared the dish for celebrity critics Jimi Famurewa, Jay Rayner, William Sitwell and Grace Dent.
Originally hailing from Stanley but now living in London, Claire said the dish was inspired by her childhood trips to Scotland’s west coast.
She said: “When I was growing up, we always went to the west coast of Scotland. You had to pick your own lunch, so it was picking mussels and fishing for mackerel. It’s my favourite fish.”
Her plate divided the critics judging the final five, but won over the majority and stunned John and Gregg.
William Sitwell was mocked by the other judges for not being able to appreciate the dish, which was heralded by John as “fantastic” and Gregg as “inspired.”
After booking her spot in the last four, Claire said: “I feel really proud to be here. I’m a bit overwhelmed but ecstatic.”
Finals Week will be shown on BBC One on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday next week, where the top four will battle it out for this year’s title.
