A Scots mum who will star in the upcoming series of Masterchef says that she wants to use the exposure from the programme to set an example to people struggling with their identity.
Lisa Addison will hit the screens on Wednesday when the latest series of the hit BBC cookery programme airs.
The 39-year-old, from Killearn, Stirlingshire, will put her skills to the test by serving up dishes she has developed whilst working from home.
Lisa, originally from Stirling, says appearing on the show is a dream and will be vying for the title.
Lisa was previously married to ex-husband, John Wilson, for 14 years Lisa has three children, Kieran, Morgan and Johnny.
At the age of 34 she made the brave decision to come out as gay. She has now been married to her wife, Rachel Addison, for three years and also has a 14 year old step-daughter, Sian.
She told the Stirling Observer: “It’s something I thought I could hide from, but wasn’t to be the case. My ex-husband is my closest friend and he and I are an amazing team alongside my wife.
“I set up a cleaning business almost four years ago that I ran with my wife until recently.
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“I started cooking when I first married my ex-husband. He was from a farming background and his mum was a brilliant cook and baker. I could cook the basics and enjoyed barbecuing but my more fine dining aspect of cooking started when I met and moved in with my wife. She liked the fancy meals and so I guess I set out to impress. My ex-husband was my Guinea pig for a long time and he encouraged me no end. My wife gave me a different belief and helped me up my game as it were.”
The keen Celtic fan applied to star on Masterchef as a way of validating her skills. She added: “I wanted to know if I was good enough. I spent lockdown like most at home because I couldn’t work, and that really ignited my passion for learning new techniques and recipes.
“It hasn’t sunk in that I’m going to be on Masterchef. I’m just a regular girl from Stirling, who lives in a small village and who had a dream. I’m proof that it’s never to late to be you, to open yourself up to the world and follow your dreams.”
She added: “I want young people who are struggling with who they are and their sexuality to be able to read my story and see that it’s only scary for so long. I’m so lucky to have an incredibly supportive wife, but also ex-husband. Cooking gives you a sense of freedom, and I’d love to instil that in people.”
The new series of Masterchef airs on BBC One at 8pm on Wednesday, March 23.
