I've spent years tasting dishes on MasterChef. Now it's my turn to put on the apron | Jay Rayner

I steadied my nerves and donned whites, and a piratical bandana, for a Christmas special - while trying not to cry on camera There is only one thing more stressful than cooking with a raging deep-fat fryer: cooking with a raging deep-fat fryer while being watched by Gregg Wallace, John Torode and three TV cameras. I attempt to look nonchalant as I shake the basket filled with crispy spare ribs, while reminding myself that this extremely testing situation is all my own stupid fault. A year ago, I...