Janet Street-Porter has emerged as the first of two victors in BBC One’s Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook-Off.

The 73-year-old broadcaster and journalist expressed her disbelief at her triumph, exclaiming, ‘this is one for the pensioners!’ during the episode, which aired on Monday at 9pm on BBC One.

She faced stiff competition from actor Christopher Biggins, Radio 1 DJ Dev Griffin, and TV personality Vicky Pattison in her pursuit of the title.

Winner! Janet Street-Porter has been crowned the first of two champions of BBC One’s Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook-Off in scenes set to air at 9pm, BBC One on Wednesday

The festive special saw judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace return to the MasterChef kitchen, infusing the show with holiday spirit.

Overwhelmed by her victory, the Loose Women panellist exclaimed, ‘No, I don’t believe it, I can’t believe it. I am really, really thrilled.’

‘I did a lot of moaning but I loved the cooking part. This is one for the pensioners!’ 

Gregg, 56, said: ‘This has been brilliant fun. I think Janet’s pie was really clever and I loved the damson jam and venison inside. 

Return: Judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace returned to the MasterChef kitchen for the Christmas specials, bringing festive cheer to our screens

Yum! Her winning menu started with a venison and damson Christmas pudding with seared chicory, caramelised carrot and butternut squash, brussel sprouts and gravy

‘It was absolutely stunning, brilliantly clever and showed the touch of a really, really good cook.’ 

John, 55, added: ‘This has been a fantastic celebration, we wanted a festive feast and that’s what all of the celebrities delivered. 

‘Janet’s food didn’t just taste great but it looked great; it was care, it was attention, it was detailed, it was delicious!’ 

High praise: Of the meal, Gregg said this may be ‘the best dish you have ever cooked for me’

Wow! Janet’s food was incredibly detailed and served in such a way that it was sure to impress John and Gregg

Competition: She competed against actor Christopher Biggins (second from right), Radio 1 DJ Dev Griffin (right) and TV personality Vicky Pattison (second from left) for the title

Her winning Christmas-themed menu started with a venison and damson Christmas pudding with seared chicory, caramelised carrot and butternut squash, brussel sprouts and gravy. 

Of the meal, Gregg said this may be ‘the best dish you have ever cooked for me’. 

Janet then presented a damson fool mixed with damson plums served with almond biscotti, prompting John to hail it a success and saying: ‘I love it.’ 

Teamwork: For the Pairs Test, Janet teamed up with Christopher, 72, (pictured) to create a Pork Wellington 

Did their best: Vicky, Dev and Christopher tried their best but couldn’t compete with Janet’s incredible menu 

The final challenge followed the infamous Invention Test where the celebrities selected their ingredients from a season advent calendar. 

For the Pairs Test, Janet teamed up with Christopher, 72, to create a Pork Wellington.  

The second episode of Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook-Off will air on Wednesday December 23, featuring Craig Revel Horwood, Amar Latif, Crissy Rock and Spencer Matthews. 

Socially distanced: The four celebrities remained in their separate stations for the show

Coming up: The second episode will air on Wednesday, featuring [L-R] Spencer Matthews, Crissy Rock, Amar Latif and Craig Revel Horwood