Edith Bowman opens up on real reason for joining BBC Celebrity MasterChef line-up: 'Stuck in a rut'

The celebrities will take part in four weeks of heats where only the best chefs will make it through to the quarter-final before Torode and Wallace will crown their new winner.

Challenges such as Under the Cloche, and producing two dinner party dishes that would wow the most demanding house guests also return, leaving the stars to work under pressure and decide whether to play it safe.

Bowman will enter the MasterChef kitchen tonight alongside Geordie Shore legend Charlotte Crosby, TV presenter Craig Doyle, Steps singer Ian 'H' Watkins, and radio presenter Snoochie Shy.

Speaking about why she decided to take on the MasterChef challenge, Bowman explained: "It’s such an iconic show and I was really looking forward to cooking for John and Gregg and learning.

"I feel like my cooking is a bit stuck in a rut and so I was looking for the opportunity to be pushed outside of my comfort zone, learning new skills and new ways of putting flavours together."

She also touched on how she felt walking into the famous kitchen for the first time and noted: "It was terrifying. The anticipation and the wait before it felt like I was in a time warp!

"I was really excited about the prospect of walking into the kitchen for the first time and when we went in, it’s all like you see on telly with the MasterChef logo and John and Gregg standing there! The excitement as well – it’s that mix of nerves and excitement - it was very bizarre!"

Bowman was joined alongside Crosby during Monday night's The One Show to discuss their experience in the kitchen, but instead left the Geordie star to expose her fellow co-stars, claiming they "lied" about their culinary skills beforehand.

"They all lied" she slammed. "I genuinely thought that I was good, I have just heard backstage as well that she [Bowman] won a cook-off with Gordon Ramsay! So she kept that a secret as well!"

Bowman laughed at Crosby's amazement, before praising: "I tell you what though, any kitchen that you are in, if you are in it with Charlotte, it is the best fun to be.

"Just the best energy, it was just so much fun because it is really nerve-wracking because you walk in and there is something about that space in that studio, and you feel like a little kid again! We both cried!"

Although the show kicks off tonight, many fans have already been left disappointed with the line-up and claimed they didn't "know a single person", prompting them to air their grievances on social media.

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Alongside the five taking part tonight, Love Island star Chloe Burrows, model and TV personality Christine McGuinness, EastEnders actor Danielle Harold, Traitors contestant Diane Carson, makeup artist and Glow Up judge Dominic Skinner, and the Marchioness of Bath Emma Thynn will later enter the kitchen.

Comedian Eshaan Akbar, Gladiator and Team GB sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, former X Factor star, Jake Quickenden, comedian Jamie MacDonald, Sugababes star Mutya Buena, BBC Radio 2 presenter OJ Borg, Line of Duty actor Rochenda Sandall, actor Tamer Hassan, and Strictly Come Dancing professional Vito Coppola are also set to show off their skills.

When the announcement was first made, one X user slammed: "At this point in time, John and Gregg are probably the biggest celebrities of this show."

"Woah I don't know a single person. It's like watching normal MasterChef," another commented before a third said: "Well Celebrity MasterChef, you managed it.

"I normally only know one or two of your so-called celebrities, but this time none at all."

"Seems the BBC don’t understand the demographic of their target audience," someone else expressed before another added: "It appears most of us have never heard of this lot - and they nearly all look the same and appear the same age group. Might be the first time I give it a miss." (sic)