MasterChef win 'turned my life around' says Holby star Lisa Faulkner

The 38-year-old actress beat television presenter Dick Strawbridge and Christine Hamilton in the final episode, which saw all three serve up a meal for presenters John Torode and Gregg Wallace.

Faulkner, best known for her role as Dr Merrick in Holby City, said: "I just wanted to prove to John and Greg they had chosen the right person."

The star, who often appeared to be battling her nerves as pressure mounted in the kitchen, said the judges on the BBC One show helped her along the way.

She said: "You know when something is going wrong because you see the camera come looming towards you and Greg bellowing at you, but they are ultimately really kind and I am just in awe of both of them.

"Winning has turned my life around. I love it, I love cooking and since the show I just haven't stopped."

In the run-up to last night's episode the three finalists faced challenges such as cooking on the Orient Express and making a meal for top chefs, including Michel Roux jnr.