Mike Rowe is joining other contestants, putting their culinary skills to the test. His participation fulfils a long-held ambition to take part in the long-running TV show. Mike, 27, said: “I normally work as an entertainer for Disney Cruiseline and this last year I had a bit more spare time on my hands. “I do enjoy the show. I saw the application to take part and thought, finally I have time to take up this opportunity. “I didn’t expect to get anywhere near as far as I did. Hearing from the production team and getting a chance to take part in the show was something I have always wanted to do.” The latest series of MasterChef started a few weeks ago and Mike will feature on Wednesday (March 17) at 8pm on BBC One. Mike added: “I make a langoustine dish, as I wanted to try to include seafood from Hastings in it, with the fishing huts being a stone’s throw from my door. “They filmed the show last October and I thoroughly enjoyed it. “It was incredible and everything I wanted it to be, the right amount of stress and the right amount of fun. “Cooking has always been a passion of mine, at least since I was 11 when I was cooking dinner for my family. “I love making curries at home, with the smell that fills the house. I like cooking dishes that take a long time and i can taste them as I go along.” * Got a story? Ring reporters Richard Gladstone on 07803 505794 or Stephen Wynn-Davies on 07393 754494. A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton: In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers. With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers. Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. Stay safe, and best wishes.