McClarnon, who could not cook before the competition, was transformed into a "fantastic cook", according to judges.

The title for the BBC One competition was awarded by chef and restaurateur John Torode and food writer and ingredients expert Gregg Wallace.

McClarnon said: "I can't believe it. I'm so proud, all that hard work has finally paid off. I'm so glad I won. It was such a tough journey for someone who couldn't cook.

"The only down side is that I had to cook my own birthday meal because I was the best cook in the house."

The programme saw McClarnon compete in a first round heat, quarter final and intense final week of rounds when she saw off competition from presenter Andi Peters and actor Mark Moraghan.

Wallace said: "Liz is by the far the best natural cook that I've seen in a long, long time.

"She has really shown a triumph of spirit and has shown what can be done if you link natural talent to real want. Liz was not a great cook when she started MasterChef but she was by the end of it - she is a fantastic cook."

Throughout the final week McClarnon's cooking abilities were tested to the limit as the finalists were asked to cook for 600 builders, army cadets in the field, and for Michelin starred chefs including Michel Roux Jr.

Torode said: "Liz has exactly what it takes. She has the skill, the passion, the drive, the determination but above all the love, the attention to detail that makes a natural cook."



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