‘Masterchef’ 2017: Saliha Mahmood-Ahmed Crowned Winner Of Latest Series

Bravo, Saliha 🙌

A new ‘Masterchef’ champion was crowned on Friday (12 May) night, when Saliha Mahmood-Ahmed won the current series.

Judge John Torode couldn’t hold back his emotions as he handed out the prize, and was seen on the edge of tears as he announced Saliha as winner. 

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John Torode
BBC

“Saliha is a class act,” he said after her triumph. “She’s walked in here and taken her food culture apart and put it back together in a modern and very exciting way.

“She always does something a little bit extra – something which always surprises us.”

And naturally, Saliha was delighted to have been crowned champion.

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Saliha and her trophy
BBC Pictures

“I feel amazing right now, I can’t actually believe that this is true,” she said after beating Giovanna Ryan and Steve Kielty. “I’m so happy that my cheekbones are hurting and I’m probably going to have a paracetamol for smile-induced fatigue!”

Previous ‘Masterchef’ winners have gone to achieve great things, and since her 2016 win, Jane Devonshire has since cooked with chefs including Michel Roux and Marcus Wareing.

Celebrity Masterchef 2016
Tommy Cannon(01 of20)
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One half of comedy duo Cannon and Ball, Tommy will be hoping the judges are smiling for the right reasons. Expected position: 20
David Harper(02 of20)
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An antiques expert, David will be hoping that he has the contemporary cuisine knowledge to match. Expected position: 19
Laila Morse(03 of20)
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An 'EastEnders' alumna and reality show veteran, Laila won't be daunted. Expected position: 18
Sid Owen(04 of20)
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Another veteran of Albert Square, surely after taking part in The Jump, this should be easy business. Expected position: 17
Amelle Berrabah(05 of20)
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One of the Sugababes... any good with savoury? She looks like someone who doesn't resort to a KFC on the way home. Expected position: 16
Tina Malone(06 of20)
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Best known for playing Mimi Maguire in 'Shameless', we're expecting bold dish choices from Tina. And she won't take any nonsense from Greg. Expected position: 15
Richard Coles(07 of20)
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As a pop star turned vicar, he'll know his pastries and cream teas, and after reading his eye-popping memoir, winning Masterchef wouldn't be the strangest thing to happen in his eventful life.Expected position: 14
Alexis Conran(08 of20)
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Star of 'The Durrells', Alexis is known for his hustling skills, so will be able to get himself out of a tricky corner if anything doesn't go to plan. Expected position: 13
Jimmy Osmond(09 of20)
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Someone's got to feed that huge Osmond clan... Expected position: 12
Louise Minchin(10 of20)
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To look that good on all those early morning rises, Louise must be getting her menu right. Expected position: 11
Audley Harrison(11 of20)
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All those hours in the ring can only be effective on a balanced diet, which means Audley must know his carbs from his cabbages. Expected position: 10
Cherry Healey(12 of20)
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Surely you don't make all those TV shows on supermarket food without picking up a few tips?Expected position: 9
Amy Childs(13 of20)
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The surprise card - will either sink, or swim all the way to the trophy. 'Who's Doing the Dishes' proved she knows her way round the kitchen.Expected position: 8
Sinitta(14 of20)
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You don't get to look like Sinitta, without knowing how to cook up perfect food. However, her stint in the jungle revealed she does falter under pressure.Expected position: 7
Liz Johnson(15 of20)
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The Paralympian swimmer will be nothing if not competitive. Expected position: 6
Simon Webbe(16 of20)
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He knows how to cook up a feast out of almost nothing after his stint in the 'I'm a Celeb' jungle. And after his runner-up spot on 'Strictly', he'll be determined to go one better. Expected position: 5
Neil Back(17 of20)
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There's a tradition of sporting heroes thriving on the pressure of reality show competitions - will Neil keep up the good work? Expected position: 4
Gleb Sevchenko(18 of20)
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After wowing fans on 'Strictly', Gleb will be hoping his hands can perform as many miracles as his feet. Again, you don't get to dance like that without knowing about nutrition, but that's not necessarily the same as fine dining.Expected position: 3
Marcus Butler(19 of20)
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Marcus already demonstrates his skills on his YouTube channel where four million subscribers watch him create music, sports footage and... healthy lunches. What?? This is surely a massive advantage for him going in. Expected position: 2
Donna Air(20 of20)
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As a style writer, Donna will have an indisputable advantage when it comes to presentation. Expected position: 1