Profession: musician - INXS

Signature dish: wasabi or blackened tuna on a wasabi lime celeriac mash with broad beans.

Legendary rock star Kirk Pengilly has cooked for legendary chef Matt Moran but how does he feel about going up in front of the MasterChef judges?

"I loved the first series of MasterChef Australia. After watching the first few episodes I thought, “I could do this..! Then after a few more episodes I went “Oh, this is getting really challenging…Maybe too challenging…I was definitely rooting for Justine and Chris."

Kirk describes himself as "a creative home cook that never cooks the same thing twice – I'm definitely not into desserts or recipes." 

Not being a recipe stickler could be a downfall for him in Celebrity MasterChef, but Kirk is actually looking forward to the chance to show off his creativity in a mystery box challenge.

"I’m quite excited by the 'mystery box' challenge. It’s been a while since I’ve cooked with red meat, as my partner Layne doesn’t eat it. But I think my ideal ingredients would be chicken breasts, garlic and white wine (not chardonnay)."

Kirk began cooking after taking a Chinese cooking course aged 17, and has enjoyed the hobby ever since.

"I was taught by a little old Chinese man at a 'backyard' cooking course I did. One has to eat, so I have been cooking since then. I probably really fell in love with food during the early 80s when the band (INXS) started to travel abroad. We were wined and dined by the various record companies around the world at amazing restaurants."

As a nod to his first cooking adventure, Kirk calls his wok his secret weapon.

"I’ve had it for over 30 years and it has travelled around Australia with me. I even cooked up a stir-fry with it in the middle of the Nullarbor desert years ago."

The lynch pin of the INXS sound, Kirk's impressive versatility sees him sing, write and produce as well as play the guitar and sax. Such diverse talents should stand him in good stead in the MasterChef kitchen but he doesn't agree.

"I’m used to working in a team whereas with MasterChef I will be completely on my own…I’m scared! I have no problem getting on stage in front of 100,000 people, but in front of those three judges, and with a time limit…I could crack. I’m used to cooking under relaxed circumstances, with a glass of wine or ten and in my own kitchen. This will be interesting."