Former professional snooker player Stephen Hendry said he had not felt pressure like it since he retired as he became the first star to be eliminated from Celebrity MasterChef.

The former world champion failed to impress the judges with his halibut with pancetta, which judge Gregg Wallace branded “acidic,” adding: “The execution left a little to be desired.”

After he got the chop, Hendry said: “I am disappointed to be first out. I never felt pressure like this since I retired.

“I just enjoyed myself, I had a thrill.”

Hendry’s exit means French tennis player Henri Leconte has made it through to the next round after impressing with his prawns in coconut milk, despite failing to complete his cod with samphire.

He said: “I have never been so anxious in my life but I’m really happy.”

Comedian Vic Reeves – who is competing under his real name Jim Moir – also made it through to the next round after whipping up a parsnip soup and corned beef hash.

After learning he was through, he said: “I am shaking and that never happens to me, I don’t know if my heart can take much more of it.”

Joining them in the next stage are TV presenter Angellica Bell and newsreader Julia Somerville.

Fans of the show were sorry to see Hendry go, with one writing on Twitter: “No way @SHendry775. Your passion came through…..for once!You should have been there till the end.”

Another wrote: “Outrageous!! There’s no way that @SHendry775 was the worst chef there,” while another said: “Sad to see my fellow Scot leave #MasterChefUK so quickly @GreggAWallace @JohnTorode1 how could you??”

Celebrity MasterChef continues on Friday on BBC One at 8.30pm.