Wardman is the Masterchef

Durbanite Roxi Wardman last night became South Africa's third Masterchef after a nail-biting finale against Siphokazi Mdlankomo.

And for the first time since the reality cooking show came to M-Net, the result was announced live - meaning nobody knew the name of the winner right up until almost 9pm when it was made public.

In previous years, contestants were tied to non-disclosure agreements for months, but there was always a possibility for leaks.

"I'm absolutely overwhelmed," said the 26-year-old Wardman, a train driver assistant.

"I'm just waiting for someone to slap me. This is something I've wanted for so, so long. It just reminds one that you're never too old to follow your dreams."

Wardman wanted to work on opening a café and a patisserie as soon as she got back to Durban.

She took the title by eight points after three intense challenges - including following famed British chef Marco Pierre White's step-by-step example in cooking a roast rump of lamb on the bone, with mussels in a white wine sauce.

Much has been made of Mdlankomo, 39, being a domestic worker, and she admitted she had not decided what her next step would be - what with the popularity gained from the show.

Mdlankomo said: "I don't want to make an irrational decision. I want to sit down and think carefully about my next step. Hopefully, I will have my own [cooking] show."

She admitted that she needed to work on her self-esteem.

Wardman took home R500000 in cash, a new VW Tiguan, R100000 worth of food from Woolworths, and a trip to the French winelands for two. She also won a year's worth of wines from Nederburg, and a five- night stay at the Maia Luxury Resort and Spa in the Seychelles.

Mdlankomo was awarded R100000. M-Net announced that Celebrity Masterchef SA would begin on February 8.