Johannesburg – 26-year-old ex-assistant train driver Roxi Wardman was crowned the winner of the third season of the popular cooking show MasterChef SA.
In a MasterChef SA first the winner was announced during a live show surrounded by fellow contestants, family and media.
Getting to the finale was no easy task for the dessert queen who had her share of hits and misses.
We managed to grab a few minutes with Roxi to chat about her win, her journey and what she plans on doing with her prize money.
Channel24
I have to ask is that a new tattoo and is there any significance?
Roxi:
(Laughs) Yes it is. It’s a phoenix which represents rebirth and I have be born into a new life. It symbolises the new phase that I am entering in my life. This is something that I have wanted for a very long time.
Channel24:
How are you feeling? Has it all sunk in yet?
Roxi:
I am overwhelmed I am waiting for someone to slap me awake and tell me I’m dreaming. It really feels like a dream.
Channel24
Did you have any clue what the results were before the big announcement?
Roxi:
We had no idea. The judges just told us after our challenge that the winner would be announced live and we all thought it was a joke and then we realised they were serious. We had to wait until tonight. It has been very emotional.
Channel24:
What do you plan on doing with your cash prize?
Roxi:
I want to open a café and a patisserie and create a brand with my bottled goods. That’s on the cards.
Channel24:
What has the entire MasterChef expereince been like?
Roxi:
It’s life changing and mind blowing at the same time. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions because I’ve had so many ups and downs and I have cried and laughed a lot. As my journey progressed I became a better person and more confident and I like the person that I am now.
Channel24:
Do you have any advice for people who are considering entering the competition?
Roxi:
You have to put it all out there. Don’t have any fear and you have to think out of the box!