He said that everything got ‘serious very quickly’ when walking into the MasterChef kitchen
21:00, 04 Dec 2025
Alun Wyn Jones has made it through to the semi-finals of Celebrity MasterChef 2025, although he said it was more stressful than his rugby days(Image: BBC)
Rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones has taken on the Celebrity MasterChef kitchen and progressed through to the semi-final of the competition. He wowed the judges with his impressive palette, flavour combinations and his ability to work in a team with his competitor Ashley Cain.
In the third and final heat of the competition, Alun competed against former footballer Ashley, singer Alfie Boe, gladiator Jodie Ounsley and comedian Noreen Khan.
The former Welsh captain even joked that the competition was more stressful than playing for the British and Irish Lions.
Fifteen celebrities from the worlds of music, drama, comedy, sport and showbiz have battled through several rounds of challenges to become the Celebrity MasterChef 2025 Champion, although only nine stars have progressed to the semi-finals including Alun. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter.
He told the BBC that everything got “serious very quickly” when walking into the MasterChef kitchen, adding: “It’s funny walking into the kitchen for the first time.
“Growing up I was very aware of the show and how it looks, but, obviously, with the new MasterChef kitchen and the setup, the scale of everything, it’s something else altogether!
“Once you’re in the kitchen it gets serious very quickly, but it’s been good.”
This week former Welsh captain Alun Wyn Jones appeared on Celebrity MasterChef(Image: BBC)
During the quarter finals, Alun was described by Celebrity MasterChef judge and food critic Grace Dent as “delicate” as he tentatively flavoured his food. She went on to say: “I want him to be as bold with flavour as he is in a scrum.”
The former Welsh captain took this advice on board and impressed the judges with his dishes inspired by his home city of Swansea, and its beautiful coast. He also used his experience as a captain to communicate and instruct Ashley during their pair challenge.
Judge John Torode joked: “You’ve captained a few teams in your life, Alun Wyn?”
To which he replied: “Two or three, yeah.”
Ashley added: “None as good as this one mate.”
As he competed in the quarter finals, Alun often payed tribute to his rugby past. He nodded to former Welsh rugby greats including, Phil Bennet and Sir Gareth Edwards who he said he’d love to have been able to invite them and their “accomplished appetites” to a dinner party.
Celebrity guest and 2024 finalist, Craig Doyle, asked the captain: “Is this more stressful than playing for the Lions?”
Alun laughed and said: “100%”
Lions skipper Alun Wyn Jones in action against South Africa(Image: Getty Images)
At one point, Grace said Alun Wyn “prepares food as if he’s almost about to go out and represent his country.”
She then asked him: “Is it fair to say you’ve been preparing for this competition like a World Cup?”
He replied: “You know, there is a part of me that whenever I do something like this, I’m still representing my country. So, I’ve got to try and do that honour justice.”
It’s fair to say he has done his country proud, as he progresses through to next week’s semi-final which will air on Monday, December 8, at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
