Celebrity MasterChef’s Paddy McGuinness has perfect response to judge

The popular TV and radio presenter, known for his unmistakable Northern charm, was a guest judge on tonight’s episode, the second in the new series.

Keeping to his northern roots, Paddy asked the contestants to cook him a delicious pie, saying that despite trying foods from around the world, he was still a fan of the old-school staples.

Emily Campbell, Jason Mohammad, Shakira Khan, Joe Pasquale, Jay McGuiness, (Image: BBC/Shine TV)

He said: “Well, being a northerner, this food is in our very DNA. I want you to bake me the most beautiful, the most glorious pie.”

Read more news on Paddy McGuinness here

He said he loved pies because no matter where you go in the country, you can have a cheese and onion pie in Scotland and it will taste different to a cheese and onion pie in Birmingham.

Paddy said: “You tuck in and it is always a treat.”

Although primary judging duties lie with the formidable Grace Dent and Italian Michelin-starred maestro Giorgio Locatelli, this series has invited celebrity guest judges, including Paddy and Zoe Ball, who can trace her family back to Bolton.

Tonight, celebrity contestants Emily Campbell, Jason Mohammad, a colleague of Paddy’s, Jay McGuiness, Joe Pasquale and Shakira Khan served up proper pies that did not disappoint.

He sampled everything from mushroom and lamb pies to sweet dessert pies.

With his northern charm fully on show, Paddy had something positive to say about every pie he was served, even giving a Paul Hollywood-style handshake to Jason for his pie.

He described Joe’s pie as “proper”, with the contestant explaining he had made a roux.

It was then, during the judging of the final pies, Paddy reminded Giorgio he did know a thing or two about cooking when the chef began describing what a roux was.

Giorgio started to explain that it was flour and butter, but before he could finish, Paddy said: “Oh, I know I’m from Bolton, but I know some things, Giorgio!”

He then gave him a hug.

Giorgio said: “You looked a little puzzled when he said that.”

Shakira’s sweet pie reminded Paddy of his local Bolton pie shop, which he used to go with his mum.

The winning pie was as Paddy thanked the celebrity chefs for feeding him, stating the judges had a very tough task.

To find out which was favourite pie, watch the episode on BBC iPlayer.