MasterChef 2021 finalists Mike, Tom and Alexina pull out all the stops for crown

After an incredible six-week journey through a myriad of menus, the search for the country’s best amateur cook climaxes tonight in the MasterChef final.

Alexina, Mike and Tom must produce the best three dishes of their lives.

Judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace then decide who is MasterChef Champion 2021.

The trio sat down with us to share their highs and lows before the competition reaches boiling point…

• MasterChef: The Final, is on tomorrow night (Friday), 8.30pm, BBC1.

Mike Tomkins, 27

High point of the series?

I got fantastic feedback from guest judges Marcus Wareing and William Sitwell – I had a little cry when I called my family to tell them how I got on when William was judging!

But I think the highlight was working with Ben Tish and then Michel Roux Jnr.

Low point?

When Gregg said my sauce was too salty for my Sir Captain Tom Moore dish. I worried it was going to cost me my place.

How would you impress at a dinner party?

I’ve had a lot of requests for bon bons, so I think I’ll need to fit those in somewhere!

Anything you would never cook again?

I don’t know if I’d say never… but purees take lots of work and create even more washing up!

Best thing you’ve ever eaten?

When I was 16 my aunty and uncle took me to La Gavroche. What stood out most were the carrots. Who knew they could taste so good!

What are John and Gregg really like?

What you see is what you get with John and Gregg. As you get to know them a little better, the banter really flies. But some days you’ve just got your head down and just can’t join in. I didn’t have a favourite, they were both great and really helpful. Gregg was brilliant at relaxing you and John was great with top chef tips.

Your worst culinary disaster?

There’s moments at home when you get something like an omelette horribly wrong.

Who are you closest to of the others?

I’m still really close with Stan and Michelle but I’d say I’m closest to Alexina and Tom. Also I can’t not mention Laura who helped calm me when we were waiting to cook.

Choice for a final meal on Death Row?

Rib of beef on the bone with all the trimmings. I’ll go out full to the brim.

Your ultimate cooking ambition?

To cook on Saturday Morning with James Martin.

Tom Rhodes, 31

High point of the series?

Plaisterers’ Hall. It was such a privilege to show thanks to heroes of the last year.

Low point?

Being close to going out just before finals week, after I messed up my chips!

What would you cook to impress at a dinner party?

I’ll make several dishes for the centre of the table and let people help themselves.

I love to roast or slow cook meat. Roast chicken is my favourite. I’ll pair it with seasonal veg and salads and include my favourite ingredients, such as seaweed, gochujang, fish sauce and miso.

Is there anything you’d never cook again?

I’ve messed up countless things, but I’ll always go back and try again.

Best thing you’ve eaten?

Street food in Vietnam is fantastic. Amazing sandwiches called Bánh Mi filled with roast pork, pate, pickles and herbs stick out.

Your worst culinary disaster?

I mean I’m not sure I’ll ever look at chips the same way again after messing them up on MasterChef.

Your fears for the final?

I’m not sure I’ll be able to execute my dishes is time.

Who are you closest to?

Mike and Alexina. Towards the end it really felt like we were cooking as friends.

Your favourite TV chef?

I’ve always loved Nigella, who I grew up with on TV.

The strangest thing you have put in your mouth?

I’ve eaten roasted insects and things with strange textures and one time ordered mystery meatballs, I couldn’t understand from the vendor what animal they came from, but they were delicious.

A final meal on Death Row?

If I’m feeling fancy then I’d probably have sushi and steak.

Ultimate cooking ambition?

I wouldn’t rule out owning a restaurant one day.

Alexina Anatole, 30

High point of the series?

There were many, but it would be cooking at Plaisterers’ Hall. The dish I cooked meant a lot to me as it was a tribute to my late grandfather. I was also over the moon with Adam Handling’s feedback as I’m a huge fan of his.

Low point?

Probably blowing Marcus Wareing’s head off with my scotch bonnet chillies!

What would you cook to impress at a dinner party?

This changes all the time — it depends what cuisine I’m exploring or where I have travelled to.

Anything you’d never cook again?

Never say never.

Best thing you’ve ever eaten?

A definite contender would be the black truffle and char siu pork ramen I had at Tsuta Ramen in Tokyo. A tiny Michelin starred place but it really cost barely more than a standard bowl of ramen anywhere else in the city.

What are John and Gregg really like? Did you have a favourite?

They’re pretty much as you see them on TV — they make a great pair. Gregg brings energy and humour and is brilliant at cutting through the tension. John really cares and teaches you lots of little professional tips.

Your worst culinary disaster?

On the show, it was not tasting my scotch bonnet chillies before I chucked them in the pineapple salsa that was served to Marcus. Always taste your chillies is the moral of that story.

What are your fears for the final?

Mainly timing and the risk of not doing my dishes justice, especially as they are all very personal to me.

Who are you to closest of the others?

Myself Mike and Tom became so close they’ll be friends for life. Laura is my MasterChef sister — can’t wait to visit her in Scotland, drink plenty of cocktails and listen to her playing the sax! I am also incredibly excited to visit Claire on the Kent coast. I think it was her food that I wanted to eat the most.

Finally, I totally lucked out with my heat — Kerry, Jim, Josh & Mike — and we’re going to be getting together for regular foodie weekends in the lakes and hopefully Italy too!

Who is your favourite TV chef?

Predictable, but I love Nigella. I love that she is unapologetic about what she likes to eat. People like to mock her, but she knows good food and her recipes are accessible (for the most part). I also love Alison Roman — the woman is funny.

What would you cook to impress?

Food is personal and context is so important — who your guest is, their preferences/palate, the occasion, the location. So it would really depend on all of those things! Boring answer, sorry!

Your ultimate cooking ambition?

To run my own hospitality business — something like Yotam Ottolenghi has created.

Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/masterchef-2021-finalists-mike-tom-23880033