MASTERCHEF crowned its 2023 champion following eight weeks of gruelling challenges.
Series 19 of the hit BBC One show started off with 45 amateur chefs, but only one could lift the title.
Who won MasterChef 2023?
MasterChef 2023 kicked off on April 10 on BBC One with the winner crowned on June 1.
Judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode returned to turn up the heat for the nineteenth series of the BBC’s popular culinary competition.
The final episode saw Chariya Khattiyot take home the prestigious title and trophy.
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The Hampshire-based cook fought off stiff competition from Anurag Aggarwal and Omar Foster to come out on top.
Speaking after her win, Chariya said: "This is unbelievable.
"It means the world, the sun, the moon and everything to me.
"I don’t think anything can top this. I’m so happy!
"This just proves that if you dream something and you work really hard and you never give up, you can get it.
"That’s what my grandad said to me – never give up. He would be so proud of me!”
Judge John Torode, said: “Chariya’s food has always been honest and from the heart.
"It’s always exciting, it’s always unusual and it’s always been beautiful and addictive.
"And not just punchy, exciting Thai flavours that we saw at the start, but also exceptional, innovative and exciting technique all the way through. A proper master.”
Chariya is one of the most creative, skilful cooks I’ve seen on MasterChef for a long, long time
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While co-judge Gregg Wallace, echoed his praise: “Chariya is outstanding and one of the best MasterChef contestants I can remember.
"Chariya has delighted and amazed me in equal measure.
"Some of her creations are absolutely beautiful - almost with an artist’s touch.
"She is one of the most creative, skilful cooks I’ve seen on MasterChef for a long, long time.”
Who took part in the MasterChef 2023 final?
Chariya
Hampshire master coffee maker Chariya is originally from northern Thailand.
She won the nineteenth series of MasterChef in an emotional victory which had both judges in tears at the end of the show.
Her Thai cuisine impressed the judges throughout the series, helping her to secure a place in the final.
Speaking about being one of the three finalists, Chariya said: " I’m absolutely delighted to reach the finals, especially given the incredibly high standard of the other cooks, but I’ve been determined to stay focused and do my best.”
She added: “After MasterChef I hope there will be opportunities to work with food and I’m keen on getting experience and turning this love of cooking into a profession.
"I’m excited about the possibilities that might come my way.
"Long-term my dream is to open a restaurant, and eventually multiple restaurants, where I can showcase the food of my homeland in Northern Thailand — and hopefully work towards earning a Michelin star!"
And her dream came true as in November 2023 she posted on social media about her new restaurant, Khao Soi By Chariya, in Alton, Hampshire.
Her website states it serves "Asian fusion cuisine".
Chariya beat off strong competition from her two rivals to win MasterChef, paying tribute to her late grandfather after her victory.
Anurag
Anurag Aggarwal is an accountant who lives in Essex, but is originally from India.
He lives with his wife and two children in the countryside near Basildon.
Anurag was a very consistent contender throughout the series.
He has a passion for Asian cuisine, which was evident in the magnificent dishes he prepared throughout the show.
Speaking about making it to the MasterChef 2023 final, he told the BBC: “I’m absolutely delighted to make it through to the Finals!
"I see MasterChef as the perfect platform to express my love for cooking and what could be better than getting the opportunity to cook for the British Consul General in Turkey?”
He added: "I previously worked in London, for an insurance company in the City, but since filming MasterChef I have decided to take a break from the corporate life and pursue food as my full-time profession."
Omar
Originally from Barnsley and now living in Watford, toy maker Omar Foster was a force to be reckoned with during the series.
Despite serving judge Gregg a bloody duck fillet, he came back magnificently and made it through round after round all the way to the final.
He told the BBC: “I will genuinely look back discovering I’d made it through to the Finals as one of the proudest moments of my life.
"To know all your hard work has been worth it is something I will never really be able to put into words.
"Getting to this point means I’ve been able to experience every stage in the competition so far, which is all I wanted when I applied.”
When is MasterChef on TV?
MasterChef 2024 kicked off on April 1 at 6.30pm on BBC One.
There are a whopping 24 episodes in the series — the show will play out over eight weeks, with three episodes a week.
Broadcast days vary week to week — check the BBC schedule to ensure you don’t miss out.
