A MOTHER-of-three from Hexhamshire has proved her culinary skills on national television to reach the knock-out stages of BBC’s MasterChef.

Faye Dodwell (44) is no stranger to cooking for her husband, Nick, their three daughters and extended family, who all encouraged her to apply for the hit television show.

As hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace search for the UK’s best amateur cook, Faye, who works for Haydon Bridge-based yurt building firm Cloudhouses, has already completed an invention test, impressed three of the show’s former winners and cooked for award-winning writer William Sitwell.

The no-nonsense food critic was presented with Faye’s raspberry and chocolate tart, which saw her through to the next stage of the competition.

In addition, she rustled up a crab ravioli and guinea fowl on the series so far.

“I was married quite young; I was only 21, and because we had a young family, I had to learn quickly how to make something out of not very much,” explained Faye.

“I gradually fell in love with cooking and Nick is the best type of person to experiment on. He and the rest of the family have always been really supportive.”

After being a fan of the showsince its early days, it was last May that Faye eventually plucked up the courage to apply and found herself selected as one of 64 contestants to make it through to the heat stages which are currently being broadcast.

“The whole team at MasterChef are amazing and really put you at ease,” she said.

“Although you know you’re on camera, I always felt comfortable, and I think that brings out the best in people.”

Now that filming is finished, she’s back in her own kitchen making her own bread, butter and family favourite dishes from scratch.

But how she fares in the competition remains top secret.

l Faye will next appear on the show during the knock-out week, which is expected to be aired on BBC One during the week beginning April 24.