Nestled in woodland in a Hampshire village lies the perfect rural hideaway and
home to sprinter Iwan Thomas, 35. Currently cooking up a storm on Celebrity
MasterChef, the Olympic silver medallist admits life’s a bit more sedate
these days.
“I’m more domesticated,” he says. “It’s nice to go into the kitchen and think:
‘What can I whip up?’ It used to be beans on toast – now I’m more
adventurous.”
Iwan lives with his girlfriend Layla, 30, in his five-bedroom pad, which once
belonged to Springwatch presenter Chris Packham. But with just Layla, his
Labrador Freddie and cat Gizmo for company, Iwan converted two bedrooms –
one into a home cinema, the other into a gym. And he’s been hitting the
treadmill to train for the Great North and South runs, which he’s taking
part in later this year.
When he does leave the house, it’s in style on his Ducati 1098. “When I get on
it, I feel like a real free spirit,” says the hunky cook. Layla’s a lucky
lady…
HOT TIP: “Root around for a bargain at car boot sales and junk shops.”
Celebrity MasterChef, Wednesday-Friday, 8pm, BBC1.
COMPILED BY SALLY
GILLAM PHOTOGRAPHY: COCO ELLIOT, BBC HAIR & MAKE-UP: KELLIE MITCHELL
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