Gethin Jones absent from Celebrity Masterchef final after suffering coronavirus symptoms

Gethin Jones was missing from Thursday night’s Celebrity Masterchef final after suffering from coronavirus symptoms when filming took place.

The presenter, 42, had been due to compete in the cooking show against Phil Daniels, Sir Matthew Pinsent, Sam Quek, TV personality Amar Latif, Loose Women panellist Judi Love and YouTuber Riyadh Khalaf.

However, Jones was missing from the last episode and explained his absence on Twitter.

He wrote: “Thank you for all your lovely messages re @MasterChefUK," he told fans.

"I had symptoms of Covid-19 the morning of the next stage. Absolutely GUTTED... but it was the easiest decision.

"Would never put anyone at risk. Enjoy the next hour - these guys can cook!!!"

The BBC aired the semi-final and final as a double bill.

This year’s contest was won by YouTuber Khalaf, who impressed the judges with a menu that included monkfish scampi and beef fillet.

“Riyadh has always been flamboyant, he's always shown creativity and he's always been passionate. I think Riyadh's cooking came of age today," Gregg Wallace said.

John Torode added that Khalaf’s dishes had “restaurant quality,” stating: “Some people just get better, their food finer but more importantly more and more delicious. A deserved winner."

Additional reporting by Press Association