The Ed Chef

Home Cook king inspired by mum he hasn’t seen in months

- Matt Roper

His hearty food on Celebrity Best Home Cook has given viewers a warm, fuzzy feeling at a time when so many are missing their mums’ grub.

But Ed Balls, who won the show last night, has told of the heartache behind his success – an “incredibly painful” 10 months without seeing his own “inspirational” mother.

He hopes Carolyn, who has dementia and lives in a care home, got a lift watching him cook dishes she showed him how to make.

“It has always been in my mind, she is watching and will recognize me and, deep inside, feel pleased I’m doing things she taught me.”

In last night’s final Ed beat actor Tom Read Wilson and Boris Johnson’s journalist sister, Rachel.