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Natalie Coleman wins Masterchef 2013

29-year-old part-time DJ from London has plans to turn professional

Coleman... wowed judges Wallace and Torode from the start (Copyright: BBC)

Natalie Coleman has won the the title of Masterchef 2013.

The 29-year-old part-time DJ and credit controller from East London had wowed judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode throughout the series, and sealed the deal with her three courses in the final.

“It’s a dream come true. This is probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my life. It’s like a fairytale really, the girl from Hackney done good,” she said.

Her starter comprised lobster tail with compressed fennel, fennel puree and fennel shavings, an orange beurre blanc and orange gel.

She followed up with a 'Sunday roast' for her main course, featuring belly pork and pork loin, a black pudding and quail scotch egg, pomme puree and apple sauce.

Her three courses culminated with a vanilla chocolate panna cotta with caramelised pears and hazelnut biscuits.

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“I think Natalie is destined for great things. She not only understands finery of great food but she cooks for the people, food that people want to eat. She makes people smile. And she’s not fazed by a thing,” said Torode.

“Natalie is an incredible talent who grew in stature day after day. I don’t think she is fully aware of how good she really is. I love her food because it comes straight from the heart,” added Wallace.

She beat tough competition from Larkin Cen from Bristol, who turned out a feast of Chinese starters, belly pork and duck with a stuffed glutinous rice and a chocolate mojito desert.

She also bested Dale Williams from Cardiff, who made a ballotine of red mullet to start, guinea fowl three ways for his main course and a white chocolate panna cotta with fruit poached in champagne syrup.

“Each round you learn something different about yourself and about food,” she added.

“There were just some amazing experiences; things that you never thought you’d get to do. It’s definitely been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It really makes you believe that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life now.”

All three finalists will be appearing at the BBC Good Food Show Live, from June 12 to 16.