Rachael Finch into Masterchef semi

29th October 2009

Rachael Finch.

AAP

MISS Universe Australia Rachael Finch has scored a spot in the semi-final of Celebrity MasterChef, saying she hopes it shows that there's more to models than just looks.

Finch won her heat in the Network Ten amateur cooking contest, against SBS Dateline host George Negus and Sydney Swans player Ryan O'Keefe.

Finch, who tried out for the original MasterChef series, said she hoped she had dispelled myths that models weren't interested in food and can't do much outside modelling.

"Travelling around the world, wherever you go, people think that models don't eat," Finch told AAP.

"I can tell you I love food and love cooking, and that's why I really wanted to go on the show.

"I'm half Ukrainian, I'm always eating."

Growing up in Townsville, Finch's parents had a food business, and Finch says she was always interested in food.

Finch, who's writing a semi-autobiographical book which includes issues about how to keep in shape and live a healthy life, said she also wanted to show models could "do things" other than modelling.

During the MasterChef episode, the 21-year-old from Townsville won over the judges with atlantic salmon and crepes, and also won the pressure test with a complicated scollop and truffle tart.

Also having made the semi-final in the series so far are cricketer Simon Katich, INXS muso and vocalist Kirk Pengilly, Biggest Loser trainer Michelle Bridges and swimmer Eamon Sullivan.

Sullivan and Finch have become close friends.

Next week's heat will feature comedian Peter Rowsthorn, Video Hits presenter Fuzzy Agolley and musician Alex Lloyd.