What do you tell yourself to help cope with nerves in the competition?
I had to have a firm chat with myself and made the decision to have a bit more gumption. I really enjoy cooking but not under pressure. I don’t know why it should be so nerve-wracking, but for some reason it really is.
What are you learning about yourself during the competition – any strengths or weaknesses you were not aware of?
I am learning that I respond really well to pressure, funnily enough. Give me clear instructions, a bit of pressure and a bit of encouragement and I will happily work for as long as you like. However, I'm hopeless at making decisions and taking initiative... When I have to make up a recipe for example in the invention test, I panic.
Will the heat one cooks survive service at two busy London restaurants?
What is the secret of good cooking, for you?
Good cooking absolutely relies on good ingredients. Keep it simple. Make it tasty. Salt.
What’s your best cheat tip in the kitchen?
Best cheat in the kitchen? A tablespoon of hazelnut spread in a chocolate fondant stabilises it so it'll (almost) always have a spongey edge and a lovely gooey middle. Also herb scissors and garlic squishers save tons of time.
Tish Potter is an actress and Celebrity MasterChef contestant.
Celebrity MasterChef starts on Thursday, 18 June at 9pm on BBC One. Each episode will be available in BBC iPlayer for 30 days after broadcast on TV.
Comments made by writers on the BBC TV blog are their own opinions and not necessarily those of the BBC.
