Winning MasterChef isn’t just about culinary skill — it’s also about following some unexpected rules behind the scenes.
Harry Maguire, the 32-year-old fishmonger who triumphed in the latest series, revealed one particular rule that surprised him during filming.
Swearing Was Off-Limits in the Kitchen
Speaking to the Express, Harry explained that contestants were asked not to swear while working in the MasterChef kitchen.
“They promoted an environment that allowed you to enjoy the challenges as much as possible,” he said.
The focus, he added, shifted to perfecting timing — because every single cook came down to the last few seconds.
Intense Filming Schedule and High Pressure
Filming for the show lasted around 12 weeks, Harry revealed, with the pace ramping up closer to the finale.
During the last two weeks, he and his fellow finalists were in the BBC kitchen almost every day.
“Time passes double the speed in the MasterChef kitchen,” he admitted, describing the intensity and pressure he faced while competing.
Navigating Judge Changes Amid Controversy
This series of MasterChef also faced major changes behind the camera.
Gregg Wallace stepped down last November, and judge John, who filmed before leaving the show in July amid allegations of offensive behavior, was replaced.
Grace Dent, who previously hosted the celebrity spin-off, returned as a permanent judge, alongside Irish chef Anna Haugh, who took over from Gregg Wallace.
A Dream Finale and Winning Moment
The tense final saw Harry compete alongside copywriter Claire Syrenne and post-production worker Sophie Sugrue.
Lifting the trophy, he told viewers, “Champion isn’t something I’ve ever called myself before.
I can start celebrating now! This is one of the happiest days. It’s been incredible. I really cherish the memories.”
He added, “The whole experience has been surreal and completely exhilarating.
The standard was so high that I had to bring my A-game every time. Even making it to the final was beyond my wildest dreams.”
Judges Praise Harry’s Exceptional Talent
Judges were full of praise for Harry’s skills. John said, “Harry stepped up — the determination, the skill, the style, three courses of absolute magic.
He has strived for perfection and his food will stay with me for a very, very long time.”
Anna Haugh echoed the sentiment: “There are restaurants across the country trying to do food like that and not succeeding.
For an amateur cook, I’ve never seen anything like that.
Harry today cooked food that no amateur should be able to do. That’s a magical gift, and Harry has it.”
Culinary Adventures Abroad
Before the final showdown in London, Harry and the other finalists traveled to Athens to experience Greece’s rich food culture.
He worked alongside celebrated Greek chef Argiro Barbarigou and served tasting courses at the Michelin-starred Patio restaurant.
The trio then hosted a sea-front dinner at Akti in Vouliagmeni Bay for some of the country’s top chefs, putting their skills to the ultimate test.
The Chef’s Table in London
The final challenge brought Harry to Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester in Mayfair, working under Executive Chef Jean Phillipe-Blondet.
Here, the amateur chef had the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and creativity that ultimately earned him the MasterChef trophy.
Stream the Series
For those wanting to catch all the action and see Harry’s incredible journey from fishmonger to MasterChef champion, the series is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.