Gordon Ramsay’s Daughter Tilly Dishes on Working With Dad, Family Life & More
Gordon Ramsay may have met his match as there is a new judge in the MasterChef Junior kitchen for Season 9. And it’s daughter Tilly! The 22-year-old joins Dad and the returning Aarón Sánchez and Daphne Oz.
Together they welcome a new set of young culinary masters between ages 8 and 13 as they compete for the title of America’s next MasterChef Junior, a trophy, and $100,000 in prize money. The competitors will face a mixed pot of challenges along the way including an “Eating Emoji,” having to cook a meal for the Harlem Globetrotters, and venturing to Magic Castle in Los Angeles.
Tilly has the credentials of chef, television host, and social media influencer on her resume. Tilly first appeared on the Fox reality show competition on a guest spot around a decade prior. She also served on the panel during MasterChef Junior: Home for the Holidays. We caught up with the next-generation Ramsay to talk about what she brings to the judging table.
What does it mean to you to be a judge this season?
Tilly Ramsay: It’s amazing coming back. It’s a dream come true. I’ve loved watching my dad on the show from a young age or when I was on holiday from school and would watch on set. When I saw what he was doing, I always thought it was the coolest thing in the world. Then getting asked to do it, I felt so honored to be there. Getting to know the kids was an experience like no other. You see it on TV, but when you are there firsthand it’s something else.
How did the opportunity come about?
I was very lucky to do the Christmas special first. I got a teaser of how it is and what they do. Then when my dad talked to me about doing a full season, I was shocked. I was like, “Really? It would be insanely cool” not only to be with him all the time, but getting to be with the other judges and to get to know the kids. To be able to do something I always looked up to him for doing. It was super cool.
He is known to dish out tough love to contestants. How would you describe your judging style?
I always like to think I am a relatable judge. Being a MasterChef Junior, I was their age learning like they are and doing things they do. I feel like I can talk to them in a different way where it’s a different relationship, which is quite nice. Then obviously it’s a competition, so you also have to be tough. I do find that hard being tough, but the kids were so amazing you don’t have to be super tough. It might just need some more seasoning or this is really good but would be better if. With them, it’s all about positive criticism. What can elevate their dish? Seeing how keen and eager they are to learn is pretty amazing.
You seem to have such a bond with your dad. How was it growing up with him as a father?
Whenever someone asks if my dad is like he is on TV at home, he could not be more opposite. He is like a teddy bear. He is so energetic. I’d say he is a good cop more than my mom, to be honest. Dad is very passionate about food. I’ve seen that at a young age. He is just so much fun. I love being around him. I’d like to say I’m a mini version of him, which I’m starting to see. We’re both very competitive toward each other and take jabs at each other. It’s such a great relationship. I’m grateful to have that with him.
What is your reaction when you see him being hard on a chef?
I remember asking him about what it’s like when he is in that environment. He says, “You know when you’re in that kitchen and running things, there is very little room for error. A production line has to be like a well-oiled machine.” It’s a different type of atmosphere. I think that toughness from a place of passion. Obviously, passion produces amazing results. Sometimes I may be like, “Wow, you did shout a little bit loud there.” I don’t think you really can understand it until you’re in the situation yourself trying to cook for a whole restaurant and things start going wrong. When you’re in those shoes, I think it’s understandable.
In the world of reality television, people may wonder how much of his rages are put on.
I think it is genuine at the moment with how he is feeling. He doesn’t act like that for no reason. It’s the passion. He loves food and is a perfectionist. I think that’s where the reaction comes through because of all those things. He wants things to be perfect and how they should be. It’s a tougher side of him, but it shows that it works. If something goes wrong and dishes aren’t coming out, as you see the toughness, things start getting better.
What’s one thing that we don’t know about your dad that would surprise people?
He is very into music. He loves to sing but isn’t very good at it. I’ll always hear him humming and singing around the house. I think it’s quite funny to experience.
The challenges are so much fun this season. What are some you’re most excited about?
Being in the Magic Castle, such an iconic building. We did our own magic tricks i
