A HOME cook from Wickford is taking part in a national TV cooking competition which will air on BBC One tonight.

Katie Mahady, 33, never used to cook until moving in with her husband five years ago.

But tonight she will makeher TV debut on Britain’s Best Home Cook.

Katie told the Echo: “My mum used to do everything for me and my brother and sister so I never really had to cook anything.

“Other than just bung stuff in the oven I had no knowledge of cooking or making any kind of sauce.

“My husband and I moved in together five years ago and that’s when I started cooking.

“I suffered from anxiety and still do - when I was getting home from work I found cooking really relaxing and it gave me something to do.

“I found chopping a stress reliever.”

After watching a cooking show on television while enjoying a glass of wine, an advert for Britain’s Best Home Cook came up appealing for applicants.

Katie, a supermarket supervisor, added: “It popped up at the end of a Masterchef episode saying ‘do you think you have what it takes?’

“I’d had a glass of wine and thought ‘yeah I reckon I can!’.

“I applied online and uploaded photos of some of my dishes, and I got a call to go up to London.

“When I was then told I’d made the show I was really excited and couldn’t believe it.

“But when I actually started to process it, it hit me that I would be on TV and you don’t really think about that when applying.

“It’s been such a positive experience and has really built up my confidence.”

Katie describes her cooking as very relaxed and casual. She enjoys cooking for friends and family making dishes for sharing and getting the best out of simple food.

Katie bagged her place on the show by cooking the producers Mexican food - tacos with slow cooked lamb along with homemade guacamole - which she dished out to them all to share.

Britain’s Best Home Cook is presented by Great British Bake Off star, Mary Berry, presenter Claudia Winkleman, and produce expert, Chris Bavin.

Over eight episodes, ten contestants will need to demonstrate their skill under pressure and individual flair, as they’re asked to serve the most perfect version of dishes that define modern home cooking, as well as create their special take on well-loved classics.

The show will be on BBC One every Thursday at 8pm.