MasterChef winner finally revealed as fishmonger who battled booze after 'burnout'

After nearly being airbrushed out of TV history, fishmonger Harry Maguire became the 21st winner of the amateur MasterChef series tonight. His victory was filmed many months ago, but the series was put on ice during the investigation into Gregg Wallace’s conduct on the BBC1 series.

Now, finally, Harry is able to revel in his win and potentially capitalise on his achievement by opening his own restaurant or starting a dining business. During the final cook-off agaiinst copywriter Claire Syrenne, 46, and Sophie Sugrue, 25, who works in post-production, Harry revealed he was in recovery after a battle with the booze.

The 31-year-old, who lives in London with his girlfriend of seven years Katie, started cooking in his late teens, and his real passion began during COVID when he could practice more.

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But a demanding five-year career in branding left him feeling broken.“I suffered some pretty harsh burnout mid last year, unfortunately," he explained. "In short, I was burning the candle at both ends and drinking too much. I had some fantastic people around me, and I've been in recovery ever since. It wouldn't be an understatement to say that I wouldn't be where I am today without Katie. She's been my absolute rock through thick and thin.”

He was emotional when he was handed the trophy, with judge Anna Waugh - who replaced Wallace for two episodes during the finals week - saying he was one of the best amateur cooks she had ever encountered.

Harry, who switched career after his burn-out, said that winning had made him very happy. “Champion isn't something I've ever called myself before. I can start celebrating now! This is one of the happiest days. It's been incredible. I really cherish the memories. You can't put into words what we've had the opportunity to do, and to top it off with the trophy is everything I ever dreamed of."

The fishmonger, who grew up in Edinburgh, added: “I didn't know I had it in me and I'm so happy I did, because I feel really proud of myself, very overwhelmed. I've been holding in a lot of emotion over the last few weeks, and it all came pouring out. I feel really content and I’m trying to stay present, because it'll all be over too quickly.”

Anna, judging alongside John Torode - who has since been sacked for making racist remarks - declared: “There are restaurants across the country trying to do food like that and not succeeding. For an amateur cook, I've never seen anything like that. Harry today cooked food that no amateur should be able to do. That's a magical gift, and Harry has it.”

Naming his winning menu ‘Past, Present and Future’, Harry started with a modern take on a classic dish – the prawn cocktail.

Representing his present day as a fishmonger, Harry’s main was poached brill wrapped in courgette, topped with potato croissant and a sauce vierge, served with braised fennel and a burnt leek sauce. Torode said: “I'd eat the whole thing. I'd pay for it. I'd be very excited. It's a great, great dish.”

His menu was finished with an apple and cinnamon jelly, encased in an apple and white chocolate mousse with a white chocolate cocoa butter mirror glaze, served on an almond shortbread biscuit.

After the tasting, John told Harry: “All you’ve ever done is strive for perfection. I don't know what's going on in that heart and head of yours right now, but you're obviously here to prove something to yourself, and whatever that is, you've done it.”

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