A Stevenage mum's dreams have come true - winning a competition to become a TV chef on a daytime show.

Mum-of-two Emma London was watching Steph's Packed Lunch while ironing when details of a competition to win a weekly slot on the show as a chef flashed up on the screen. 

Emma, who admitted losing some of her identity after quitting a full-time job in sales to become a full-time mum for six years, said: "I quickly snapped a pic of how to apply and, I really don’t know what came over me, but I just thought, well this seems exciting, why not apply?"

That afternoon, Emma put together a two-minute video and 500 words, explaining why she thought she should be picked for the show.

She said: "Weeks passed and I completely forgot about my application, then one Friday afternoon they rang and interviewed me. Following that phone call, they said I’d made it down to the last 10.

"I put the phone down and screamed and jumped for joy."

The Comet: Emma (second from right) with the rest of the Steph's Packed Lunch team.Emma (second from right) with the rest of the Steph's Packed Lunch team. (Image: Courtesy of Emma London)

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Emma then had to appear live on TV, presenting a pre-prepared party food dish and explaining why she had chosen it and why it reflected her personality, before preparing a recipe to cook live on the show against other contestants.

She said: "It was one of the scariest things I have ever done, but just so exciting - I only went and won!

"Following my win, I appeared twice more in my own 10-minute cooking slot on Channel 4.

"Sadly, the show is coming off air, but I’m not going to let that stop me.

"I want to pursue my dreams and passions and inspire my children to know that the sky is the limit – dreams really can come true.

"So, I’m working on building my following online.

The Comet: Emma (right) with the show's host Steph McGovern.Emma (right) with the show's host Steph McGovern. (Image: Courtesy of Emma London)

"I want to show people that cooking is achievable for anyone. I’m just a regular mum from a regular loving family, trying to follow my dreams, hopes and aspirations.

"Follow me on Instagram at elondon_1980 to watch my journey, get helpful cooking tips and delicious achievable recipes."