I never knew he could cook!

Date published: 27 April 2015


SO just who is the guy who spent the first round of MasterChef “shaking in his trainers” and ended the competition with the praise and respect of the world-renowned three-Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura?

Chronicle sports reporter Simon Smedley lives doors away and has known Simon Wood for over 15 years after their eldest children, Sam and Liam, met at primary school, went to the Radclyffe School and played football together.

Simon coached Liam and Sam for around 10 years at Boundary Park Juniors — Liam now plays for Chadderton FC — and the dads and their partners have remained firm friends.

The MasterChef champion’s ability to keep his sizzling success a secret from even closest family for three months was nothing: reporter Simon didn’t even realise his pal was a terrific cook!

“I’ve known him all that time and I can’t believe he never said he was into cooking!” said Simon. “We’ve been away together on football trips, we’ve had numerous drinks together and he never mentioned it once.

“He only let slip about Masterchef in the playground because they were getting ready for filming. It’s unbelievable, him winning MasterChef. We’re so pleased for him because he’s a genuinely nice, down-to-earth guy. Simon has really put Chadderton and Oldham on the map.

“My wife was crying when he won on Friday!”