Celebrity MasterChef contestant Noreen Khan faced heartbreak after a critical error at an important moment in the competition. The 36-year-old comedian is amongst the famous faces battling it out for judges John Torode and Grace Dent in the latest series of the BBC culinary programme.

In tonight's (December 2) instalment ofthe popular show, Noreen went head-to-head with vocalist Alfie Boe, former rugby union player Alun Wyn Jones, reality television personality Ashley Cain and Gladiator Jodie Ounsley as they competed for a spot in the final quarter-final.

The opening challenge saw the celebrities lift a cloche to discover a surprise ingredient they needed to feature in their creation. Noreen, who spent 12 years as a broadcaster on the BBC's Asian network, was presented with oranges and opted to prepare two mini orange sponge cakes with desiccated coconut, accompanied by whipped cream, orange and pistachio.

The presenter confessed to being a "lazy cook" but threw herself into the challenge and decided to create her cake without following a recipe, reports Wales Online.

Judge Grace was swift to observe: "Noreen did get one of the more difficult things. Yes they are oranges and we all recognise them but how do we make them the star of the show."

Everything appeared to be progressing smoothly for the contestant as she successfully placed both her small cakes in the oven with ample time remaining for decoration and presentation.

However, disaster struck with merely two minutes remaining when Noreen attempted to remove her cakes from the oven, only to watch in horror as the first one slipped from her grasp and tumbled onto the floor.

The room fell silent as judge Grace covered her mouth in shock, witnessing the calamity unfold. Maintaining her composure despite evident disappointment, Noreen set the ruined cake aside, accepting it could no longer be presented.

A frantic John dashed over, enquiring: "What happened." A visibly distressed Noreen explained: "I dropped one on the floor because I opened it." John interjected reassuringly: "You dropped one on the floor? Don't worry, you can save it."

Racing against the clock, Noreen salvaged what she could with her remaining cake, working frantically to present something worthy of judgement.

Sampling the dessert, Grace acknowledged: "This is a lovely cake. With the cream on the side with the orange and pistachio I am enjoying it. The orange is the star of the show."

Referencing the earlier mishap, the judge added: "I love the fact you dropped the cake on the floor, breathed and then just served what you had."

John praised: "Your cake is really good, lovely and crispy on the outside. This is impressive because you made a cake without a recipe so good on you." Reflecting afterwards, Noreen admitted: "Trust me to drop the cake. It wasn't all bad but it could have been better. I feel relieved."

You can catch up on Celebrity Masterchef on BBC iPlayer