MasterChef winner Billie McKay hopes to open restaurant or cafe with prize money

Foodies were in a flutter over the health of British star chef Heston Blumenthal after his starring role in MasterChef grand final.

Billie McKay felt double the shock and joy after making history by winning MasterChef for a second time.

The returning favourite who triumphed in season seven, was handed a near perfect score from the judges to beat another former star Sarah Todd on Tuesday night.

But it was also the appearance of judge, British chef Heston Blumenthal, which had viewers concerned.

Many Twitter users questioned whether he was ill after he appeared to limp.

“Has Heston broken his back? He’s standing weirdly,’’ one user wrote.

Others wondered why he was only shown in short clips.

“Is there something wrong with Heston? He looked really unsteady walking in,’’ another Tweet said.

“Very worried about Heston’s health. What is going on??”

Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal set the final challenge for the MasterChef finale.

Another wrote: “Heston doesn’t seem himself. Is that just me?”

Network 10 said the 56 year-old was recovering from a foot injury on the day of filming.

As the finale reached its climax there was still much chat about Blumenthal, but even more about the results of the tense pressure test battle. It was McKay who prevailed, scoring a perfect 10 from judge Melissa Leong.

“I still can’t believe it,’’ McKay said.

“I had the same feelings of nerves and dread and stress. This time around it was even more of a shock.

“I think the format of Fans v Faves really suited me and I just felt more confident and was overjoyed.”

Still passionate about food after growing up on a dairy farm in New South Wales, McKay said she hopes to use the $250,000 prizemoney to open a cafe or restaurant.

Billie and her daughter Ada. Picture: supplied

2022 MasterChef Australia runner up Sarah Todd. Picture: Ten

After winning the first time she was recruited to Blumenthal’s famed three-Michelin star restaurant, The Fat Duck, in London.

“The finale felt like a competition and then I saw Heston walk in so it definitely felt like the pressure was on,’’ she said.

“I learnt so much while I was over there … all the judges have such a high level of knowledge of food it was an honour.

“And I have so much admiration for Sarah, she just has everything worked out and the admirable thing about her is she’s not afraid to talk about her struggles.”

Originally published as MasterChef winner Billie McKay hopes to open restaurant or cafe with prize money