Last week, Glam spoke to Adelaide-born and raised Kristen Dodd ahead of her outstanding achievement in reaching the MasterChef UK semi-finals… but after a gruelling week consisting of six cut-throat challenges, Kristen has done us proud once again, securing her place in the top four! This Adelaide girl is headed to final’s week.
From crafting eye-catching dishes like her pickled sardine and rhubarb hat, cooking for 100 covers at the National Railway Museum, and even cooking under the guidance of renowned chefs such as Mauro Colagreco, the semi-finals were nothing short of a wild ride.
But coming into the finals, we’re sure she’s got what it takes to stay cool under pressure.
“Working in communications, I’ve dealt with lots of high-pressure situations, but I was surprised by my ability to find a higher gear when I’m up against the clock” Kristen tells.
But that wasn’t the only thing.
“That, and how sharp mandolins actually are – I sliced my fingers daily.”
Having grown up in Adelaide, we’re wondering whether any of Kristen’s South Aussie roots will peek through in her finals-week dishes, so we asked her what dish transports her right back home.
“Prawns! Every time I cook them I am taken back to a 40-degree Christmas Day in Adelaide. It was always my job to peel and devein the prawns and whip up the Thousand Island dressing.”
Lucky for us, we might just get a glimpse of this type of fresh, summer, seaside cooking as the team jets off to beautiful Antigua for finals week.
Kristen gave us a run-down on what the pointy end will look like.
“The first episode airs on Wednesday 3 June and it’s set in Antigua, the next is an elimination episode which includes a professional service challenge at Opheem, a 2 Michelin-star restaurant, and then the grand finale on Friday which will be with the top three.”
While here in the Glam office we’re incredibly proud of Kristen and all she’s achieved so far… we’ve got a little competition on our hands for the title of Kristen’s number one fan.
“My mum has probably told the entire city, even tracking down my old teachers to share the news -‘proud’ is probably an understatement.”
If Kristen’s mum hasn’t already tracked you down to tell you when and where to watch her compete in real time, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. South Aussies will have to set their alarms, as episodes are set to air on BBC iPlayer at 4:30am ACST on Thursday 4 June, Friday 5 June and Saturday 6 June (if you’re streaming from Australia will require a VPN to access). Episodes will also available to stream afterwards on BritBox.
We’re sure we can speak for the rest of South Australia when we say: good luck, Kristen! You’ve already made SA proud.
Kristen Dodd Makes Finals Week
When: Thursday 4 June, Friday 5 June and Saturday 6 June
For more information, click here.
