The Shape I’m In: Rory O’Connell, Masterchef

RORY O’CONNELL has been teaching people to cook for more than 30 years, ever since he co-founded Ballymaloe Cookery School with his sister, Darina Allen.

The 54-year-old enjoys working with Darina. “We have a great deal of mutual respect and we laugh a lot. She is one of my best friends,” he says.

He is currently on our TV screens on Wednesday nights with an eight-part cookery show that was filmed at his home in Ballycotton — an old restored farmhouse. “I really enjoyed the process of making the programme. It was pretty intensive for 10 days or so, but I felt comfortable in my own kitchen. It was a very nice experience.”