Celebrity MasterChef 2025 Week 1 Episode 1 Recap: Gaz Choudhry Shines with Paralympic Grit in the Kitchen

The wait is over! Celebrity MasterChef 2025 (Season 20) premiered last night (November 17 at 9 PM GMT on BBC One – 2:30 AM IST) with a dazzling Week 1 heat featuring five fearless celebs: Paralympian and actor Gaz Choudhry MBE, actor Katie McGlynn, drag artist Ginger Johnson, pop star Antony Costa, and TV personality Uma Jammeh. Judges John Torode and Grace Dent wasted no time putting them through the wringer in the iconic kitchen.

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As predicted, Gaz Choudhry – the 40-year-old Team GB wheelchair basketball legend – stole hearts with his infectious enthusiasm and competitive spirit.

From his emotional entrance (“I’ve never been that nervous in my life!”) to battling the clock, Gaz proved why his Paralympic grit (bronze medals in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020) translates perfectly to high-pressure cooking. Let’s break down his standout Episode 1 performance!

Episode 1 Recap: Gaz Choudhry’s Dishes and Judges’ Verdict

The heat kicked off with the classic Under the Spotlight round, where each celeb revealed a secret ingredient as the centerpiece of a dish. Gaz drew haggis – a bold, hearty Scottish staple that played right into his love for comforting, flavorful food.

• Gaz’s Dish: Spiced haggis bonbons with neeps and tatties puree, crispy elements, and a whisky sauce. Drawing from his global travels and home-cooking roots, Gaz elevated the traditional haggis into elegant, bite-sized bonbons with aromatic spices nodding to his Pakistani heritage.
• Judges’ Comments: Grace Dent praised the “clever narrative” and “beautiful plating,” calling it “a hug on a plate with real skill.” John Torode loved the crispy texture and balanced seasoning, saying Gaz “nailed the brief” and showed “real potential.” No major faults – a strong, confident start that put him in the top tier!

Next up: The Street Food Challenge, where the five cooked comforting dishes they’d serve from their own food truck.

• Gaz’s Dish: A hearty Pakistani-inspired lamb kebab wrap with fresh chutneys, yogurt sauce, and salad – adaptive, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.
• Judges’ Feedback: Dent highlighted the “vibrant spices and generosity,” while Torode noted Gaz’s calm under pressure and team-player vibe during service. It was a hit for accessibility and bold taste, reinforcing his resilience theme.

Result: No eliminations in Episode 1 (standard for heat openers), but Gaz safely advanced to tonight’s Round 2 (Tuesday November 18 at 8 PM GMT). He’s already a fan favorite on X, with the official @MasterChefUK post hyping the lineup garnering 24K+ views overnight!

Who Is Gaz Choudhry? Quick Bio Refresh

For newcomers: Gaz (born June 23, 1985) overcame early challenges with amputations at age 10, rising to captain Great Britain’s wheelchair basketball team. MBE in 2021, acting roles in Doctor Who (2023), and a passionate home cook who handles family meals with eclectic global twists (paella one day, spiced curries the next). His motto? “No barriers” – on court or at the counter.

From Rio Bronze to Kitchen Hero: Why Gaz Is One to Watch

Gaz’s Paralympic poise shone through the chaos – navigating the kitchen seamlessly, leading in group moments, and turning nerves into triumph. As he told the BBC pre-show: “Celebrity MasterChef looked like a lot of fun… I was really excited!” Last night proved he’s here to learn and compete fiercely. Predictions? With this debut, Gaz is a quarter-final lock and potential dark horse for the trophy.

Gaz-Inspired Home Recipe: Quick Spiced Lamb Kebabs (Serves 4, 20 mins – Wheelchair-Friendly Prep)
Recreate his street food vibe!

Ingredients:

• 500g lamb mince
• 2 tsp each: cumin, garam masala, ginger-garlic paste
• Fresh mint/coriander, yogurt, wraps/naan

Steps:

1. Mix mince with spices, form kebabs (use grill pan for easy access).
2. Cook 8-10 mins, turning once.
3. Serve in wraps with chutney. Adaptive tip: Prep at counter height!

How to Catch Up or Watch Tonight in India

Missed Episode 1? Stream now on BBC iPlayer (VPN to UK server – try ExpressVPN). Round 2 airs tonight (November 18, 8 PM GMT / 1:30 AM IST) – more challenges for Gaz and the heat!

Gaz Choudhry’s debut was pure inspiration – resilience on a plate! Will he keep rising? Drop your thoughts below. Subscribe for daily recaps, and check our Celebrity MasterChef 2025 Hub for more contestant breakdowns.

(Article updated post-premiere with verified Episode 1 details from BBC broadcast. More Round 2 updates tomorrow!)