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Dubbed sunshine in human form, Alex Crisp shone her light in the MasterChef Australia kitchen.  

Raised in Fremantle, Alex is a first-generation Australian. Her mother, Britta, is from Denmark and her father Gary is South African. The mix of cultures always made for maximum flavour on Alex’s dinner table growing up, setting off her culinary curiosity.  

She recalls her ninth birthday when her Dad told her she could pick out any gift she wanted. Her choice? A Jamie Oliver cookbook. 

After her parents separated, Alex stepped up in the kitchen when she was 10. Cooking a meal was a lovely way to bring the family together, and a chance to honour her connection to her grandparents, particularly her Momor (Danish grandmother) and Yoyo (South African grandmother). Each year her Danish friends and family throw a “Viking Fest”, with a huge feast, and Alex honoured her heritage in the MasterChef Australia kitchen.  

Despite earning a double degree in Science (Human Biology) and Design (Fine Arts), it is food that’s become the founding stone of Alex’s career, working in fine food sales and specialising in gourmet products, cheeses and smallgoods amongst other delicacies. Her daily exposure to the food scene has further fuelled the fire inside, and Alex knows that cooking is not just a hobby, it’s her true calling in life.

With more than 70 cookbooks at home, Alex leant into her savoury cooking strengths during the competition, balancing flavours across a range of cuisines. She also ranked her creativity and positive attitude amongst her secret weapons.

Alex’s dream after being involved in the MasterChef kitchen is to get more involved in the food, agriculture and tourism space in WA. 

Alex Crisp’s Endometriosis Journey: 

For many years I have been battling a health condition I didn’t know I had. After numerous specialist appointments, plenty of trips to ED and much time away from work, school and social events, I was finally diagnosed with stage 5 Endometriosis in 2020. A total relief to know that there was a reason behind the past thirteen years of confusion and pain. 

Results from an intravaginal ultrasound showed heavy growth in my abdomen. My ovaries, peppered in cysts, were attached to my bowels, which were attached to my uterus and bladder. One big, painful mess. Soon after this scan, my Specialist fast-tracked me into a life changing surgery. My ovaries were freed and stitched back into position and the growths between my abdominal organs were removed. I was very lucky as 48hrs after having had this procedure, hospitals across the country had cancelled elective surgeries due to the Covid19 outbreak. 
 
Although this condition can be completely debilitating and utterly exhausting at times, I am able to live a ‘normal-ish’ life. Knowing my body and the way it reacts to certain foods, movements and even the clothes I wear, is an important pain-management tool. Over the years I have done plenty of research and spoken to many women with this condition and so I have learned a lot about it! I have also learned that because of endometriosis, I am strong, patient, understanding and resilient. All the traits I needed to tackle the MasterChef Australia kitchen!