Part-time DJ Natalie Coleman was crowned 'Masterchef' champion last night.

The Londoner beat off competition from Larkin Cen and Dale Williams to become the 11th champion of the BBC One series after impressing judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace with a menu which included pork belly with scotch egg as well as lobster and fennel.

Natalie admitted it was "very" tough to keep the news to herself for five months and she had to stop talking to some of her friends for fear of letting her big secret out.

She told RadioTimes.com: "The last day of filming was December 11 so it's been a long time. I've had to stop answering messages from my friends, especially on Facebook. I feel bad not replying but I just press 'like' instead."

Following last night's episode - which she won after preparing a menu for the show's hosts - Natalie was greeted with a flurry of congratulatory messages from several stars including 'EastEnders' actress Patsy Palmer.

The flame-haired star tweeted: "@NatalieColeman1 congratulations to you.. From one Eastend girl to another.. You go girl .. Can't wait to come to your first resturant.. (sic)".

Lisa Faulkner, who hosts cookery show 'What's Cooking?' alongside Ben Shephard, also took to the social networking site to praise an "excited" Natalie ahead of the DJ's appearance on the cookery programme next week.

She wrote: "Yippeeeee!!! The brilliant @NatalieColeman1 will be in @whatscookingtv on Tuesday!!! How excited am I @benshephard !!! (sic)"

Natalie replied: "@lisafaulkner1 @whatscookingtv @benshephard EXCITED!!! Cannot wait to meet u guys xxxx (sic)"