MasterChef star Aldo's surprising admission about returning to the show

After narrowly missing out on a spot in the top 10 back in 2018, Aldo Ortado returned to MasterChef this year with a completely different strategy to take out the title.

“I’m going to sound like a prick, but I didn't prepare at all,” he boldly tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “This time around I knew what I was going to do: cook my Italian food. I just wanted to be true to what I know and what I love to eat and what I love to cook and the food that makes me excited.”

The fan favourite chef, who left viewers stunned on Sunday night when he was sent home in eighth place, says that he’s extremely proud of his time on the show this season compared to his first experience.

“I would say that I slayed,” he reflects. “I barely had a bad cook, so I’m super happy and impressed with what I did.

RELATED:

• MasterChef star details 'pros and cons' of Fans and Favourites format

• MasterChef's Aldo breaks down over relationship with estranged father

• MasterChef star shares key advice for future contestants: 'Back yourself'

“First time I think was a little bit of a mismatch for me because I didn't stick to my roots and I didn't showcase who I was back then.

“This time around, I embraced the person that I am that wears his heart on his sleeve. I cried a lot, I had lots of fun and I cooked lots of food that represents me. I must say, the second time around was probably where I shined the most.”

‘I’m feeling great’

Speaking about Sunday night’s episode, which saw him end up in the elimination round against former champions Julie Goodwin and Billie McKay, Aldo has a positive outlook on the events that occurred.

“Being in the second round with two past winners, god bless them, it was probably the best way for me to get out actually,” he says. “I lost against a winner, so I'm feeling great.

“The other best part is that I got out on a very good dish. I didn’t have any trouble, so it’s fine. It's a competition and they're going to pick just one winner and unfortunately, it's not going to be me.”

While his second time in the MasterChef kitchen ended earlier than he had hoped, Aldo admits he would love to return for a third chance at the title in the near future.

“Three is my lucky number, so I think that if I was to go back on for the third time I will probably win,” he laughs. “So why not! Call me and I will win.”

Post-show plans

Until then, Aldo has dreams of opening his own café and restaurant one day and finishing his debut cookbook by the end of the year.

“Also, I would really love to do a food guide tour from the south of Italy,” he shares.

“It’s a part of the country that I really want to let shine and just let everybody know that there is much more to the country than just Rome, Tuscany, Florence, Milan and Venice. There is much more in the south that deserves to be seen and discovered from everywhere.”

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.