Profession: trainer, The Biggest Loser

Signature dish: Moroccan spiced lamb with eggplant couscous

The Biggest Loser trainer Michelle Bridges was addicted to MasterChef Australia, and confesses that while she has a soft spot for one judge in particular, she's not going to compromise on her healthy cooking to please the panel.

"I religiously watched MasterChef Australia and I've been watching them all again for tips! I really liked Poh and Chris. He was really cool, calm and collected in the kitchen – I'm aspiring to that."

"I've got a bit of a crush on the judges – particularly Matt Preston. I think he's gorgeous! I totally respect that they are so good at what they do. To tap into their knowledge is awesome. George is so passionate and Gary makes no apology for the amount of butter he puts into meals. He doesn't even try and cover it up!"

"I'm someone who tries to stay away from that stuff. For me to impress them with my food I know I'll have to put some butter in. I'm not going to make them go cold turkey. If I give them something without butter they might go into coronary shock!"

Michelle's cooking involves fresh, healthy, organic food, and she loves to find ways to make food interesting.

"I like to make dishes that use wholesome, healthy, nutritious food and I experiment with spices and fresh herbs to bring out the flavours so that I don't constantly have to add butter, salt and sugar."

"Everyone thinks healthy food is bland but you can't beat fresh ingredients. Chilli, ginger, garlic and fresh herbs like mint are amazing, and can make some food taste incredible."

Used to being in charge on The Biggest Loser, Michelle recognises that she's going to be out of her comfort zone in the MasterChef kitchen, but thinks her day job gives her the discipline needed to take comments from the judges on the chin.

"I'm used to being the one in control and suddenly I'm in the pressure cooker so to speak. For me it's going to be quite challenging but I'm so excited about it."

"My response to criticism from the judges is bring it on! Criticism has been part of my career all my life. I take it on, and listen and apply it."

"I guess what makes me nervous is not working from a recipe. I need a recipe and a plan so that’s a bit daunting for me."

"I can be organised in the kitchen. I've cooked for about eight people before where I made a French butter chicken. But I had all day to prepare and wasn't under the pump with a stopwatch and people looking at me!"

As for her secret weapon, Michelle says she just needs a sharp knife.

"I've been told I've got good knife skills but I don't know if that’s true! I guess I'd also say that my tip is to keep things really fresh and simple, and I think that’s what the judges like as well."