Earl of Patricia continues the journey through flavors. This is the seventh edition of MasterChef Celebrity. Emmanuel Esparza leads in the competition, delivering some of the show’s liveliest moments during the premiere as his humor shines on screen.
Diagnosed with celiac disease at nineteen, the actor and host of programs such as El informal, Sé lo que didistéis, Wifi Leak and Nobody is behind the wheel confirms a deep love for cooking for family and friends. He enjoys food immensely. YOTELE sits down with Patricia Conde to discuss his experience on the seventh edition of MasterChef Celebrity on TVE.
-Is it difficult? Did you cry?
-Across all versions of MasterChef, from celebrities to guests to grandparents, crying is common at the start or the end. It happens.
-Have you ever thought about quitting?
-That thought crosses the mind. The challenge is tough because the audience is the final judge. He cannot hide from the scrutiny of what he has cooked. He may never reach Michelin-starred heights, though he can aim for something close. The pressure is immense when faces are watching and there is no sleep after a late test. The mental fatigue stacks up and the stress becomes overwhelming.
-Was it hard to decide to join MasterChef?
-Yes, it was tough because the format was new to him. He has often worked on projects driven by a crafted script and a strong stage presence. He has played many roles and now steps into a reality format that tests raw emotion and spontaneity. The experience is different from scripted comedy, and it carries a price as a participant embraces uncertainty and vulnerability. He jokes about never mistreating a colleague, all in good humor, and shares the humility that keeps him grounded.
Did someone help him decide?
-Eventually Miki Nadal encouraged him to take the leap and see what the format could offer, laughing along the way.
-What level of cooking did he bring to MasterChef?
-Being celiac pushed him to learn early on how to cook well to survive. He developed a strength in desserts and confectionery. The show highlights this talent, though he does not claim mastery in every dish. When friends visit, he aims to serve meals that can truly satisfy and impress. He recalls a moment of pride when his father tastes his carbines cuttlefish rice and smiles with astonishment at his daughter’s cooking. That moment is a reminder of why he puts in the work: to bring joy to his loved ones.
He and his team put energy into finding a good chef or cooking school, because love for the craft grows with practice. The program asks him to demonstrate while cooking, but it also requires a real understanding of technique and timing.
-Have judges pressed sensitive buttons about his background?
-Of course. He followed a season of MasterChef to understand the rhythm of the show. This is his first foray into reality television, so vulnerability comes with the territory. He describes himself as shy and authentic, not eager to display credentials. If someone says he is afraid, he may react with emotion, or even tears, because he is genuinely sensitive.
-Before joining MasterChef, did he seek advice from peers?
He mentions Miki Nadal, who encouraged him to dive in and experience the journey firsthand. The message was to observe closely, let the energy of the kitchen guide him, and let each edition tell its own story built on the values he brings to the table.
-Who among the team surprised him the most? Everyone is curious for a little spice in the story.
He praises the diverse cast members, noting that the group initially felt unfamiliar. They formed a quick bond during a bus ride to an outdoor test, sharing stories and discovering common ground. The connection grew into a supportive circle, even joking about a shared WhatsApp group called Survivors.
There is a sense of camaraderie among the contestants. The process reveals personalities, humour, and a shared commitment to the kitchen. In the end, what matters is the willingness to learn, to adapt, and to bring something genuine to the table. The seventh edition of MasterChef Celebrity proves that cooking transcends competition and becomes a path to connection, resilience, and joy for everyone involved.