Saliha Mahmood-Ahmed has won ‘MasterChef’ 2017.
The 29-year-old doctor wowed judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace with her culinary skills on Friday’s (12.05.17), beating off strong competition from teacher Giovanna Ryan and sound engineer Steve Kielty.
She said: "I feel amazing right now, I can’t actually believe that this is true. I’m so happy that my cheekbones are hurting and I’m probably going to have a paracetamol for smile-induced fatigue."
John said: "Saliha is a class act. She’s walked in here and taken her food culture apart and put it back together in a modern and very exciting way. She always does something a little bit extra – something which always surprises us."
Earlier Gregg had defended his and John’s decision to eliminate Alison O’Reilly during Thursday’s (11.05.17) semi-final.
One viewer wanted to know why Alison was sent home and directly tweeted him: "@MasterChefUK @GreggAWallace @JohnTorode1 absolutely shocking decision. You send Alison home??? Please explain (sic)"
But he simply replied: "Other 3 were better".
When one person asked how he felt about voting off the wrong person, Gregg replied: "Don’t be silly, it’s our decision."
And after Twitter user Roger protested: "Alison is much better than Saliha, yes she can cook but it’s the same stuff every show! If Steve has to win surely!?", Gregg replied: "Same stuff?"
The viewer clarified: "Seems like it’s all Indian based food Gregg. I’m sure it’s delicious but I don’t see any imagination at all I’m sorry."
To which Gregg pointed out: "Yeah the Roux family only do French food. Locatelli only does Italian" in a bid to prove that there was nothing wrong with chefs sticking to their heritage.
He also reflected: "Always fascinated how people see it all differently" after he had to point out that viewers don’t taste the dish, when being criticised for sending contestants home.
Saliha Mahmood-Ahmed crowned Masterchef winner
