ALANA CONFESSES I HAD TO LEARN TO BACK MYSELF'

TIME AWAY FROM THE SHOW HELPED THIS MUM OF TWO GROW

- By Celia Whitley

In the 14 years since she first donned the famous white MasterChef apron, Alana Lowes has achieved some remarkable milestones, both personally and professionally. But when the call came through inviting her to take part in the current Back to Win season, the mum of two didn't hesitate to return to her roots – until a bit of imposter syndrome crept in.

“I was saying yes before production had even finished asking the question!” Alana, 45, tells New Idea with a laugh. Placing third in the 2011 season, Alana says she has “the most incredible memories” from her time on the hit series.

“I was excited to return because I was thinking, ‘wow, what can I do this time?’” she tells us.

Then she found out who she'd be cooking against.