Dare to dream, says Simon.

Photo: Tim Bradley

Simon Wood - Masterchef 2015 - in his kitchen in Chadderton.

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NEXT time you feel a bit cheesed off at work, take a leaf out of MasterChef champion Simon Wood’s book.

If the 38-year-old Chadderton father-of-four hadn’t had such a shocking day in the office a few months ago, he might not have whipped up the enthusiasm to enter the BBC’s famous cooking competition - which he won magnificently on Friday night.

The former Boundary Park Juniors football coach spent the weekend dashing from a live national TV interviews to numerous radio studios, dealing with calls from TV producers clamouring to get him on their shows, or drowning in 2,500 messages and gaining 9,000 Twitter followers overnight.

Simon admits he never dreamed he would be entering the MasterChef hall of fame as its 11th champion. “I’d had a bad day work and I thought, I’m doing this, why not? Let’s see where it takes me,” he said.

“From there to here has been absolutely amazing. It’s a sensational feeling and I’m enjoying every minute. The response has been crazy.”

Simon always wanted to be a chef but put the dream on hold at 19 when his son Liam was born, followed by siblings Alex, Cameron and Charlotte.

And despite his Masterchef success this level-head lad from Oldham still plans to return to his job as a data science analyst in the marketing department at BPP professional education university in Manchester next week.

“I think work understands this is a life-changing opportunity and I’m going to take every chance that it opens for me.”

As well as hoping one day to open his own restaurant, the Chaddertonian hopes to put his new-found fame and talents to good use in the town.

“I think it’s important to remember where you grew up and what it means to you, so if I can do something positive with this experience I will,” said Simon, a former Radclyffe School pupil.

The life-long Latics supporter was invited to Boundary Park yesterday to meet players and staff - but had to decline due to a pre-arranged reunion with fellow finalists Tony Rodd and Emma Spitzer.

“I’m definitely going to do something with Latics though, that will happen at some stage,” he added.

Simon spent Friday’s final night at a Manchester hotel with close family and friends - all but him not knowing how he had done. The final was filmed in January but he was sworn to secrecy.

“Here I was, doing the best thing I’ve ever done in my life and I couldn’t share it with anyone, not even my kids - that was hard,” he told us. “It was fantastic to be able to finally celebrate.”

Simon’s skill and expertise is all self-taught: “Most of the day I’m thinking about food,” he admits.

“I’m usually thinking about what I’m going to make for dinner whether it’s for me and the kids or just me on my own.

“I love Mediterranean food and classic French cooking. I get inspiration from reading cookery books, the internet, TV, while I’m out running. I’m obsessed with food!.”

His artistry wowed MasterChef judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace, and guest Michelin-starred chefs from around the world.

Judge Gregg Wallace described Simon’s food as “lick-the-plate brilliant”, “these flavours are just dancing in my mouth” and “this tastes so good I’ve got goose bumps”.



CHADDERTON’S Ancora restaurant has been marvelling at Simon Wood’s MasterChef success ever since he cited them as his favourite Oldham eaterie.

Christina Santolini, daughter of the Broadway restaurant’s owner Fausto, said Simon is a well-known face in the dining room and they’re over the moon at his success.

“Simon was already well-liked here but we were very pleased when he said we were one of his favourite restaurants,” said Christina.

“Everyone is really pleased for him winning MasterChef. He seems like a really nice guy, and I think my dad is just regretting not snapping him up to work here! It’s fantastic for us too, I’m sure his recommendation will be good for business. We’d love to see him again soon.”

twitter: @GillPottsOC