A SCHOOLTEACHER from Inverness is in the running to win MasterChef 2025, pursuing her “ultimate food dream” in the competition.
Naomi, 30, is currently starring in the new series of MasterChef which was filmed before allegations against Greg Wallace and John Torode were upheld by an independent investigation.
The BBC released a statement, saying it had made the decision “after careful consideration and consultation with the contestants”.
The 30-year-old teacher, who lives in Falkirk and grew up in in Inverness, is one of the heat five hopefuls.
With family connections in Caithness and the Isle of Lewis, Naomi said: “I have watched MasterChef for so many years and my family would always tell me that I had to go on the show.
“I would always joke with them and say I would apply to go on the show before I was 30. Well, time has caught up with me so here we are! Cooking is a creative outlet for me, and I am never happier than when I’m in the kitchen so I thought it was time to put my skills to the test.
“I love to challenge myself and as a teacher, I am always encouraging my pupils to aim high and live their dreams, so I thought I better take my own advice.”
Naomi said her cooking included simple, wholesome dishes that highlight seasonal Scottish and Italian ingredients.
She previously created a hot fudge pudding to rave reviews, and a key lime pie when challenged to take inspiration from American cuisine.
She continued: “My ultimate food dream was to be on MasterChef, so anything now is an extra special bonus! I would love to be able to create my own recipes and share these with people through pop-up events and maybe one day even have my own little cookbook.
“Having grown up with close family all over Scotland including the Highlands, Caithness and the Isle of Lewis, I have been so lucky to be surrounded by amazing produce and food. I remember my grandparents bringing us fresh crabs straight off the fishing boat and me and my siblings standing on stools in the kitchen making scones when we were too short to reach the counter.
“For me, cooking and baking holds so many lovely memories. My mum and dad say that when I was three years old, I was already in the kitchen making mince pies at Christmas time and by ten years old, I was trying to take charge of the family Christmas dinner.
"Baking was always something we did as a family and because of that, it will always be my favourite hobby.”
