IWAN THOMAS

World-class sprinter and mean cook Iwan Thomas takes us on a lap of his stylish rural pad

By Olivia Buxton, 04/07/2009

Nestled in woodland in a Hampshire village lies the perfect rural hideaway and home to sprinter Iwan Thomas, 35. Currently cooking up a storm on Celebrity MasterChef, the Olympic silver medallist admits life's a bit more sedate these days.

"I'm more domesticated," he says. "It's nice to go into the kitchen and think: 'What can I whip up?' It used to be beans on toast - now I'm more adventurous."

Iwan lives with his girlfriend Layla, 30, in his five-bedroom pad, which once belonged to Springwatch presenter Chris Packham. But with just Layla, his Labrador Freddie and cat Gizmo for company, Iwan converted two bedrooms - one into a home cinema, the other into a gym. And he's been hitting the treadmill to train for the Great North and South runs, which he's taking part in later this year.

When he does leave the house, it's in style on his Ducati 1098. "When I get on it, I feel like a real free spirit," says the hunky cook. Layla's a lucky lady...

HOT TIP: "Root around for a bargain at car boot sales and junk shops."

Celebrity MasterChef, Wednesday-Friday, 8pm, BBC1.

COMPILED BY SALLY GILLAM PHOTOGRAPHY: COCO ELLIOT, BBC HAIR & MAKE-UP: KELLIE MITCHELL

Your comments

This article has 0 comments

We have to check every comment before we can allow it to be published. But don't worry, we've got a team on it 24/7 - so check back soon! Please note that we cannot publish all comments received. The editor's decision is final. Please note that your email address will not be displayed next to your comment.