MasterChef Winner Harry Maguire

The fishmonger based in London won this year's crown.

BBC/ Shine TV

For several ambitious chefs, securing victory on MasterChef serves as the paramount catalyst for a distinguished career in the culinary sector. However, for the young fishmonger Harry Maguire, his endeavors to secure the trophy nearly proved futile due to a scandal that jeopardized the airing of the series.

This year, both long-time hosts of MasterChef, Gregg Wallace and John Torode, were dismissed from the program following allegations of inappropriate conduct, inciting a discussion regarding the broadcast of series 21. “I was not optimistic that it would be broadcast, to be candid,” Maguire informed the Times. In July, the BBC declared its intention to air the series to acknowledge 'the cooks who have contributed significantly to the process.'

Maguire has been compelled to conceal his victory for more than a year - what has he been engaged in throughout this period?

Harry Maguire - MasterChef Series 21

Harry Maguire, 32, was victorious in the finale of MasterChef series 21, which aired on Friday night, surpassing finalists Claire Syrenne and Sophie Sugrue at the final stage.

During the final week, he traveled to Athens, encountering various challenges, including a collaboration with renowned Greek chef Argiro Barbarigou. Subsequently, he was assigned to participate in a tasting course at the Michelin-starred restaurant Patio, prior to preparing a seaside meal for a gathering of famous chefs.

Reaching the final three, Maguire confronted the notoriously formidable Chef’s Table, held at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester in Mayfair. He prepared meals for visitors, including Ducasse himself—one of the most esteemed chefs globally, possessing 21 Michelin stars throughout his restaurants—alongside Tom Kitchin, Clare Smyth MBE, Claude Bosi, and Alex Dilling. All were impressed with Maguire’s creation, with Ducasse responding to his dessert of kombu seaweed, citrus, and olive oil by stating, ‘I like it.’ "I love it!" - Kitchin characterized it as "one of the finest desserts I have ever experienced."

For his last three-course meal, Maguire commenced with a contemporary interpretation of the prawn cocktail, presented as a ballotine of prawn and dill mousse adorned with avocado cream, cucumber, and salmon roe. “Occasionally, when a work is deemed a classic, alterations can lead to dissatisfaction among audiences,” remarked judge Anna Haugh, who substituted for Wallace in the last episodes following his dismissal and has since been announced as one of the new presenters of MasterChef. However, I believe you had considerable courage and successfully accomplished it. Your performance was exceptional.

He subsequently drew upon his fishmonger heritage with a poached brill entrée, accompanied by a potato croissant and stewed fennel. The pudding was a spiced apple creation influenced by a French bakery, featuring a white chocolate cocoa butter coating, which Torode referred to as 'smiling material.'

In the final, Maguire stated: ‘I was unaware of my capabilities, and I am elated to have discovered them, as I feel a profound sense of pride and overwhelming emotion.’ I have been suppressing a significant amount of emotion for the past few weeks, and it has all been released.

What is Harry Maguire now engaged in?

Maguire resides in London with his girlfriend Katie and has been elated since winning MasterChef series 21. Unlike many winners of the program, Maguire does not aspire to establish a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant, as the high-stress atmosphere of kitchens is not particularly appealing to him. He is concentrating on organizing supper clubs and private dining events, while also cultivating a following on Instagram @harrymaguirecooking, where he posts recipe videos.

In an interview with the BBC regarding future prospects, he stated: ‘I am uncertain about what lies ahead, but as long as I am engaged in cooking, I am confident I will find joy in pursuing my passion.’ I am considering establishing my own private dining enterprise or managing a little neighborhood restaurant that is both relaxing and memorable. I just want to be cooking every day!’