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March 16th, 2013 
David Schulberg the 3rd 
Comedian and actor Barry Humphries as his Dame Edna Everage character in Sydney, with Edna about to embark on her final Australian tour. Picture: Nic Gibson
Source: News Limited
DAME Edna Everage stole the show as a judge on a special celebrity edition of UK MasterChef watched by millions across Britain.
In a PR coup for Australia the segment was filmed at Australian House in London and also featured new High Commissioner Mike Rann.
British comedians Jack Whitehall and Micky Flanagan went head-to-head in a cook off that was scored by Dame Edna, Mr Rann and MasterChef judges Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace.
The segment aired on the BBC in the UK on Friday night (early Saturday Australian time) as part of Red Nose Day to raise money for the Comic Relief charity.
In great promotion for Australia the megastar Moonee Ponds housewife arrived at Australian House on the Strand in a Rolls Royce and was greeted by cheering crowds waving Aussie flags.
“The High Commission was delighted to support such a good cause and it was great that the BBC chose Australia House as the venue,” Mr Rann said.
During a feisty competition Mr Flanagan served steamed John Dory with red wine sauce together with rhubarb and orange, while Mr Whitehall cooked up chicken with risotto and bacon pieces.
Dame Edna, who is soon to retire, was at times scathing in her critique of the food. She said after seeing one dish: “those diced veggies look a bit like sick” and after tasting Mr Flanagan’s main she commented: “I don’t think it justified the death of a fish.”
Former South Australian Premier Mike Rann said the highlight of the dinner was the Aussie wine that was served and used by Mr Flanagan as a sauce with his John Dory.
“It was grievous bodily harm on an Australian fish. If he had cooked that in Australia we would have had him deported,” Mr Rann joked.
The MasterChef judges were in stitches as our national treasure tasted the courses.
“I’ve watched Dame Edna for years and years and from the first glass of water to the last spoonful of desert, I couldn’t stop giggling,” Mr Wallace said.
“It was marvellous to sit down for lunch in the Grand Hall of the Australian High Commission with one of the funniest women I’ve met – it’s got to be right up there with some of the best things I’ve ever done.
“I had no idea she was such a great foodie with incredible knowledge which really impressed me, she seems to dine very well on both sides of the world.”
Mr Whitehall was crowned the winner and thanked his mother for “providing all of his recipes.”
Red Nose Day has raised more than $870 million for good causes in the UK and Africa since it began in 1988 – and it was hoped this years efforts will smash the 2011 record of $107 million.
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