A PHARMACIST said she felt ‘very emotional’ after progressing to the next stage of BBC One’s MasterChef.

Blackburn pharmacy owner Moonira Hinglotwala once again impressed presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode in her third appearance on the show.

The mum-of-two was tasked to cook a dish inspired by a personal and family favourite for the two hosts.

She cooked a chicken chilman biryani for Gregg and John, which included spinach and potato pakoras, carrot and cucumber raita, mango chutney and poppadoms.

Moonira said the dish brought back happy memories of special occasions in her childhood and really enjoyed the smells and tastes of the biryani.

She said: “As a child I knew something special was happening or somebody was coming and that was amazing and made me really happy.”

After tasting Moonira’s dish, Gregg said: “It’s layer upon layer of beautiful flavour. I can’t praise you enough.”

John was equally impressed with Moonira’s work and said she was an ‘exceptional’ cook.

The 39-year-old was one of twelve contestants to secure a place in the next stage of the competition.

On tomorrow’s show, which airs at 8pm on BBC One, the cooks will be given the first taste of a professional kitchen before having to impress top chef Nathan Outlaw.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph last night after the show, Moonira said: “At the time it was very emotional.

“I was just so happy and proud that I managed to get through and have a chance to go through to other rounds and experience more. I did not want it to end there.”