A PHARMACIST from Blackburn has reached the knockout stage of BBC One's MasterChef.

Moonira Hinglotwala, 39, who owns two pharmacies in Blackburn, wowed hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode in her second appearance on the primetime cooking show on Friday evening.

The mum-of-two was tasked to cook 'comfort food' for the two presenters and food expert Grace Dent, who starred as a guest on tonight's show.

Moonira cooked one of her special recipes for the judges - 'haleem' - a lamb and pearl barley with battered Anaheim chilis stuffed in a spice potato in a freshly baked bread bowl.

The dish was served with cucumber, pickled onions and a lime water drink.

John and Gregg were initially surprised at the choice because they thought she was giving herself too much to do in 90 minutes but were 'amazed' at the results.

Gregg described the dish as 'absolutely stunning' and said: "It looks like a banquet fit for an emperor."

John, who also described the meal as 'fantastic', said: "I would be really happy with having this all on my lap watching the TV on a Friday night in my shorts."

Food critic Grace said she was surprised Moonira was able to cook the whole dish in the time allotted.

She said: "I have eaten haleem before in a place in central London.

"The chef will kill me for saying this but I think I like this one better."

Moonira said her cheekbones were hurting because she was so pleased with the judges comments.

She said: "I’ve smiled so much my cheekbones are hurting.

"I did a lot of work in the 90 minutes and yes that's me, I'm a little whirlwind."