Drag superstar Ginger Johnson has revealed that her recent victory on Celebrity MasterChef 2025 held a unique significance for her family, even surpassing the joy of her RuPaul's Drag Race UK win in 2023.
A Culinary Christmas Miracle
Speaking to Metro after her triumph, the performer, whose real name is not disclosed, described the win as a 'Christmas miracle'. She beat broadcaster Dawn O'Porter and rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones in the final, impressing judges Grace Dent and John Torode with a spectacular three-course meal inspired by the 1970s.
The trophy currently resides on her kitchen windowsill, though she promises to find a 'most fabulous way to present it'. Ginger admitted she was so nervous about someone spotting the trophy before the show aired that she wrapped it in a blanket and hid it under her bed, comparing the secret to the One Ring from Lord of the Rings.
Family Pride and Foodie Connections
While her parents were immensely supportive of her Drag Race journey, Ginger believes the MasterChef victory resonated with them on a deeper level. 'We're a very foodie family,' she explained. 'Food has been a really important part of growing up, and especially my relationship with my dad has been a lot about food.'
She noted that while her family embraced Drag Race, the world of competitive drag was 'so far out of their experience'. MasterChef, however, tapped into a shared family passion, making her success there 'really, really special for them'.
Inspiring a New Generation of Fans
Her success on the BBC cooking show has also introduced her to a brand-new audience. Ginger has received messages from parents who watched the series with their children, garnering young fans who know her first as a chef, not a drag queen.
The episode where she dedicated a dish to her father sparked particular resonance. 'I had a lot of dads and queer people whose dads have also supported them get in touch,' she said, calling the ability to represent those relationships on primetime TV 'the real joy of these experiences'.
What's Next for the Double Champion?
With a proven track record in TV competitions, what could be next? Ginger is clear about one ambition: 'If Celebrity Traitors calls, I will be saying yes. That would be a real dream of mine.'
First, she is focusing on her upcoming nationwide tour, 'Show Pony', which begins in 2026 and runs into 2027. Inspired by figures like Lady Gaga and Debbie McGee, she describes a show pony as 'a very specific type of person that really thrives in the spotlight'.
This marks a shift from her previous daredevil tour, 'Ginger Johnson Blows Off', which involved her being shot from a cannon nightly. 'It took a toll, I'm not gonna lie,' she admitted, promising a return to glamour.
Despite her new culinary lease of life, the stage remains her true home. 'There's something so transformative about it,' she said. 'Drag is transformative in itself, but getting to connect with a live audience of people is so, so exciting.'
Celebrity MasterChef is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Tickets for the Show Pony tour are on sale via her official website.
