Us here at Glasgow Live have been very proud of late while watching lockdown TV - from Lawrence Chaney's Drag Race win to Kelly Macdonald's talking point take on a Glasgow accent, Scots have been dominating.
So it is making us all the more excited that Lanarkshire mum Laura Michael has made it to the final four of everyone's favourite cooking show, MasterChef UK.
The Carluke based mum-of-two was a complete champion in the first episode of MasterChef finals last night - and could be set to sail right through the finals.
Laura, who works as a jazz saxophonist, catered with fellow contestants Alexina, Madeenha, Mike and Tom for 25 'lockdown heroes' at the Plaisterers' Hall in London.
Serving up one of two meat dishes on offer as part of a five-course menu, Laura wowed with her take her kids' favourite takeaway, crispy duck.
She served the succulent duck’s breast on pea puree, with crispy duck sesame toast and shredded duck - but not before giving herself a war wound while preparing the meal.
Her duck breast was a hit for being pink and juicy with crispy skin, and Laura was praised by the diners.
Judge and presenter Gregg, added it was “buttery melt in the mouth”.
Laura said the challenge was "really tough", but that she was "pleased I got through it without setting myself on fire or crying.”
Having pulled through a nerve wracking and tough service, it was then back to MasterChef HQ where the five contestants served up a dish inspired by their own heroes.
Laura served up an apple and custard tart with caramelised apple balls and meringue in honour of her jazz hero, John Coltrane.
Coltrane, the American jazz saxophonist and composer was famed for having a ‘wickedly sweet tooth,’ which Laura attempted to honour in her cooking.
Judge John said her dish was “really beautiful work,” saying “I really like this dessert”, which "looked fantastic".
Surprisingly it was Gregg, famed for his sweet tooth and love of desserts, that thought it was a bit 'too sugary' because of the meringue accompaniment.
Despite her potential meringue mishap, Laura still wowed the judges and secured her slot in the final four.
Laura will now go head-to-head with the other three contestants (we won't say who else got through!) on Thursday as they cook a dish to save their place in the competition.
They'll the go on to cook for the revered ‘chef’s table’ - a service to some of the most decorated and celebrated chefs around the UK.
While Laura has been performing and entering music competitions since the 90s after starting her career playing the alto saxophone at the age of 16, MasterChef is the first food competition she’s entered.
If she makes it to the final three (and we have all faith that she will!) Laura will cook a three-course meal for Gregg and John in a bid to win the crown.
But for now she is the chef of our hearts!
