In a thrilling culinary showdown, Thomas Frake was named MasterChef's Champion of Champions 2025 during a special Christmas edition of the beloved BBC One series. The festive special, titled MasterChef Festive Extravaganza: Champion of Champions, aired on 29 December 2025 and saw the 2020 winner reclaim glory against formidable competition.
A Triumphant Return to the MasterChef Kitchen
Frake, who now runs The Silks pub in Marlborough, Wiltshire, faced off against three other former titleholders: Natalie Coleman (2013), Chariya Khattiyot (2023), and the most recent winner, Brin Pirathapan (2024). The returning champions were put through two intense challenges designed to test their evolution since their original victories.
"This feels amazing. I'm grateful more than anything," Frake said after his win. He added that the first trophy he won remains at home, but this new accolade will take pride of place in his pub, symbolising his journey from amateur cook to professional chef.
The Winning Dishes That Secured Victory
The final challenge required the chefs to present two of the best courses they have ever cooked. Frake's triumphant menu began with a main course of roast venison marinated in treacle, served with a venison and pear barley stew, wild garlic puree, charred shallot, bubble and squeak, and a rich venison and port sauce.
For dessert, he crafted a decadent brioche bread and butter pudding, coated in panko breadcrumbs and topped with butterscotch raisins, all sitting in a Pedro Ximenez sherry sauce and accompanied by brown butter ice cream.
Judges' Verdict and a Bittersweet Farewell
The dishes left a lasting impression on the judges. John Torode, appearing alongside Grace Dent in what was his final MasterChef episode, delivered extraordinary praise. "I need to be truthful, that was probably the best food I've ever eaten in the history of MasterChef. That was extraordinary," he stated.
Torode's appearance was filmed earlier in 2025, before the BBC did not renew his contract following a misconduct investigation. His replacement on the upcoming series of MasterChef: The Professionals will be Irish chef Anna Haugh.
Grace Dent described Frake as a "fascinating chef," noting his ability to cook "crowd-pleasers absolutely beautifully with loads of finesse." This combination of skill and heart is what ultimately crowned Thomas Frake as the ultimate Champion of Champions. The special is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
