TOM Rhodes was delighted to be crowned MasterChef champion last night – but he also has plenty to be happy about in his life off-camera too.

The food lover is a fan of exotic holidays and often enjoys posh alfresco dinners at his Newcastle home.

Tom, 31, won the hearts of viewers as he presented mouth-watering dishes like beer battered monkfish and yuzu mayonnaise.

And it's much the same for the high-street restaurant manager when he's at home – enjoying sumptuous meals for one.

Tom captioned one outdoor snap showing a table crammed with food and a glass of red wine: "All about that al fresco life. Antipasti and a Herbaceous Courgette and Yoghurt Frittata….. and wine of course. My idea of heaven 😇"

Tom confessed: "I am totally obsessed with cooking, I am the kind of person who will spend three, four, five hours making dinner – just for myself a lot of the time, because I live alone."

Other evenings, it's wrapping up next to the patio's fire pit with a tumbler of gin.

But when he's not at home in Newcastle the talented chef appears to love nothing more than an exotic location.

Proving himself a real foodie, his choice of holiday to Vietnam, showed him enjoy both the culture and cuisine – as well as the blue skies, crystal clear waters and sandy beaches.

He said of one set of pictures: "The majestic Ha Long Bay. An absolutely breathtaking end to the most wonderful journey …

"Serious holiday blues setting in now so there's only one thing for it and that's to plan our next trip….. where next?! #trip #holiday #travelling #wanderlust #travel #vietnam #halongbay".

Now Tom's next adventure will be to choose from the many opportunities his MasterChef win is expected to bring.

Many winners have used the contest as a springboard to launch a hugely successful career in cooking.

Tom saw off competition from finalists Mike Tomkins and Alexina Anatole in the final.

After his win, he said: "Being this year's MasterChef champion, after watching and admiring so many past Champions, seems like a dream come true.

"I'm grateful that I met, got to know and cook alongside some of the most wonderful and talented people, and have found friends for life in them.

"I'll also never forget and can't be more thankful to all the friendly, hard working, fantastic people, that make MasterChef such a special show.

"I feel like this is just the start, and I'm excited for what comes next."

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