Contestants on the popular cookery programme Masterchef are not expected to be experienced chefs, one judge has said.

John Torode, who hosts the BBC show alongside Gregg Wallace, pointed out that all they are looking at from the outset is natural flair.

"They come at it from a different angle so your expectation has to be one of their capabilities, although you can expect to see a glimpse of the shining star sitting underneath," he told the Daily Record.

Torode also admitted that he finds it hard to criticise the participants, which is why he does not get involved in Masterchef, the Professionals.

He also admitted that he is enjoying everything about his career at the moment, not only as a judge on the programme, but also as the owner of Smiths, a restaurant in London.

The seventh series of Masterchef returns tonight (February 16th) at 21:00 GMT on BBC One.