MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 continues this week on BBC One – meet the contestants and finalists on the cast!
Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing, renowned chef Monica Galetti and celebrated MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace return for the show’s brand new series.
As the competition intensifies, MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 is nearing its climax with only the most skilled chefs remaining. From an initial group of 32 ambitious culinary talents, the contest has been narrowed down to those who are in the running to claim the prestigious title of Champion.
Meet the four finalists below…
MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 finalists
Charlie
Starting in the bustling kitchens at just 14, Head Chef Charlie, now 22, has spent nearly a decade mastering the culinary arts across Devon and Cornwall. Liskeard is now home, where he resides with his wife, Leah. His academic culinary journey began at Cornwall College, after which he graced esteemed establishments like The Elephant and The Mariners by Paul Ainsworth.
Currently, Charlie’s culinary magic unfolds at The Sardine Factory in Looe, where regional flavors dance under his expert touch.
Kasae
Kasae, a 29-year-old Australian native, has risen to Head Chef of a contemporary Japanese eatery in Bath. Her culinary path started in Melbourne and has since led her through esteemed kitchens worldwide, including a Michelin-starred stint in Sweden. Now residing in Yate with her partner, she infuses her diverse experience into creating innovative Japanese cuisine.
Tom
Tom, a 24-year-old Sous Chef from Horsham, West Sussex, boasts seven years in Michelin-starred and AA Rosette-winning kitchens. A Westminster Kingsway College graduate, he gained experience at The Pass, The Latymer, and Interlude. Tom currently works at Camellia, a three AA Rosette restaurant, joining his parents in the culinary field.
Tommy
27-year-old Head Chef Tommy carries a decade’s experience, seasoned with classical training and stints at award-winning UK restaurants. Recently, the call of home brought him back to Bristol, where he cherishes family life with his girlfriend, Courtney, and their young son in Weston-super-Mare.
Tommy’s culinary journey sprouted at Thornbury Castle, meandering through the Michelin-starred kitchens of Five Fields and The Frog by Adam Handling. Now, he brings his expertise to The Ethicurean in Bristol, where his classic techniques meet modern gastronomy.
MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 contestants
Meet the remaining chefs who took part in this year’s series… Note: Information at time of filming
Simon
Simon, a 35-year-old Head Chef from Poole, Dorset, has spent two decades perfecting his culinary skills. Working for a hotel group across the South Coast, his journey began as a Kitchen Porter at 16, followed by formal cookery studies at Eastbourne College. He has since ascended the ranks, notably spending a decade with the FJB Hotel group.
Ayesha
32-year-old Chef Patron Ayesha, blending her British and Jordanian heritage, has made her mark in Glastonbury with The Queen of Cups restaurant. After a foray into Middle Eastern Studies and a pivot from aspiring war correspondent to chef, Ayesha trained at culinary school post-university. Her career, featuring stints at London’s The Palomar and Wales’ Sosban, reflects her passion for Arabic-inspired cuisine.
Casrick
Born in St Vincent, Caribbean, Casrick, 37, transitioned from a decade of being a private chef across the Caribbean islands to London’s Michelin scene in 2021. His culinary adventure began at Raffles Resort Canouan, leading to roles in Canada, France, the Caribbean, and the UK. Currently, he’s a Junior Sous Chef at West London’s Kitchen W8.
Cecily
Cecily, 30, from Aberdare, South Wales, has traversed the globe as a private chef and is now a freelance chef in London. Post-studying Environmental Sciences, her culinary career took off in French ski chalets, leading to roles across the world, including Japan. Cecily’s current focus is Gma’s Community Kitchen in South London, aiding asylum seekers and refugees.
I-Lin
Taiwanese Chef de Partie I-Lin, 29, found her culinary passion while studying Medicine and Cancer Research. Moving to London in 2017 for culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu, she also completed a Masters in Clinical Nutrition. Her experience includes Michelin-starred Boury in Belgium and Restaurant Orchid in Taipei, and she now works at The Pie Room, Holborn Dining Room.
Tristan
26-year-old private chef Tristan, hailing from rural West Norfolk, juggles his time between London and Norfolk, catering to global private functions. Following culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu, and stages in Michelin-starred kitchens, he swiftly rose to Head Chef. Since 2020, Tristan has embraced the private chef lifestyle, traveling the world.
Lindsay
Chef Patron Lindsay, 30, from Newcastle Upon Tyne, has a decade-long career spanning Michelin kitchens and private cheffing. After professional cookery training at Dundee College and experiences in Scottish restaurants, he returned to Newcastle, working at the Michelin-starred House of Tides. He now owns Rebel Restaurant, inspired by his hometown and childhood.
Philippe
Hailing from Paris, Philippe, 33, has transferred his skills from Michelin-starred kitchens to London’s private dining scene. Trained at the esteemed Médéric culinary school, he offers a modern twist on classic French cuisine, captivating his London clientele with the essence of his Parisian roots.
Verity
Scottish Chef Verity, 32, transformed her initial hands-on experience into a flourishing Catering and Supper Club in Glenelg.
Self-taught and inspired by stages at iconic restaurants like Noma, she infuses local flavors into her dishes, making her business, Eòlach, a local gem.
Dimi
Ukrainian-born Dimi, 29, showcases a blend of his homeland’s flavors and French finesse at London’s Kricket. His vibrant career spans from Kyiv’s Seafood Restaurant Odessa to Chateau Le Sallay in France, reflecting a passion for combining traditional techniques with modern twists.
Dan
Dan, 32, from Norfolk, transformed from a café work experience to a seasoned Senior Sous Chef in AA Rosette and Michelin-starred venues. Currently at The Harper Hotel, he brings a world of flavors to his native Norfolk, celebrating local produce with global culinary wisdom.
Gabrielle
At 33, Gabrielle has built an illustrious 11-year career as a private chef, with a repertoire that includes service on super yachts and in premium sports venues. Her journey began in the mountains as a Chalet chef and seamlessly transitioned to the high seas, where she spent nearly a decade perfecting her craft.
Now based in Wandsworth, London, she caters to a private household, bringing her global culinary experience to an exclusive clientele.
Giovann
Maltese-born Giovann, 33, is the Executive Head Chef at a Sicilian-inspired London eatery. His culinary foundation was laid during a four-year program in Malta, complemented by positions in luxury settings from London to Dubai.
Now settled in Greenwich, his expertise brings authentic Mediterranean flavors to the heart of London.
Kyle
Kyle, a 31-year-old Sous Chef from North Shields, has carved out a name for himself in the fine dining scene, currently adding his touch to a 2 AA Rosette restaurant.
His beginnings as a pot washer led to culinary ventures in prestigious restaurants like The Fat Duck. His passion for culinary excellence now delights guests at Seaham Hall’s Dining Room.
Molly
Based in Leeds, Molly, at 27, has progressed from her humble beginnings working in kitchens at the age of 12 to running her own private hire business alongside her partner, Charlotte. Molly’s culinary expertise blossomed as she honed her skills in local French Bistros, and more notably at Kendell’s Bistro in Leeds.
This journey culminated in her establishing byMölly, a private chef company that offers personalized culinary experiences.
Lauren
Lauren, 29, a classically trained chef from Mitcham, Surrey, has left an indelible mark in the event catering sphere over the past seven years in London. With her roots at Westminster Kingsway College, she carved her niche at renowned establishments like 34 Mayfair and Bakkavor Foods.
Currently, Lauren channels her talent into Harry’s Kitchen, a prominent party design and catering venture based in London.
Joaquin
Hailing from Venezuela, Joaquin, 28, transitioned to London’s culinary stage in 2017 and swiftly established himself in the city’s restaurant scene. With a foundation from Instituto Culinário de Caracas, he showcased his culinary prowess at Venezuela’s premier restaurants before diving into London’s vibrant food scene at Camino.
Today, he holds the reins as a Sous Chef at Club Gascon, a distinguished Michelin-starred French establishment.
Evelina
Lithuanian native Evelina, 28, ventured to Scotland in 2013, embarking on a journey to master the culinary arts. After earning her SVQ in professional cookery, she quickly rose through the ranks of Aberdeen’s dining establishments, notably leading the kitchen at Craftsman Company.
Her passion now unfolds at Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, a Michelin-starred haven, where she serves as a Chef de Partie.
Jeany
Jeany, a Senior Sous Chef of 31 years, bridges the Isle of Man’s tranquil landscapes with Belfast’s bustling culinary scene. Growing up in a large Belfast family, Jeany’s passion was ignited early on. Her culinary acumen, sharpened by her NVQ, found expression in Belfast’s finest establishments like The Merchant Hotel. Presently, she crafts exquisite dishes at A Peculiar Tea.
Ola
Originating from Edo State in Nigeria, Ola’s culinary aspirations brought him to the UK 13 years ago. Today, at 33, he masterfully weaves Nigerian flavors into the fine-dining scenes of prestigious establishments and sporting venues.
Ola’s remarkable journey began at the United Nations Restaurant in Nigeria, and has since flourished, with him currently leading as Head Chef at a renowned member’s restaurant under Compass Group in Kent.
Ieuan
Welsh-born Ieuan, now 26, has dedicated over a decade to the culinary world, making significant inroads in high-end pub restaurants. Educated at Crosskeys College and University College Birmingham, Ieuan has graced kitchens like The Foxhunter and Pennyhill Park.
Currently, he lends his expertise as a sous chef at The Castle Inn, Chippenham, impressing patrons with his masterful creations.
James
James, 29, based in North London, uniquely straddles the worlds of Michelin-grade kitchens and street food. Although initially trained in Politics and Sociology, James’s true calling was in the culinary world.
He’s served at acclaimed restaurants like Soho House before launching a hybrid Art gallery-restaurant and a dedicated street food venture, Hash Hut. As CEO, James currently helms Hash Hut while also catering to private clientele.
Cameron
Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, 25-year-old Head Chef Cameron has dedicated his life to the culinary arts of his coastal town, Mallaig. Hailing from a family of restaurateurs, he not only heads the kitchen at their establishment, the Cornerstone, but also works closely with his mother and brother, who manage the front of house.
Cameron’s culinary journey began at the young age of 17, and over the years, he honed his skills under the tutelage of renowned chefs Donald Mclean and Gary Phillips. His passion even took him to acclaimed venues like The Kitchin and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. Today, Cameron cherishes his family life with his partner and toddler son while running the Cornerstone’s kitchen.
Catrin
Hailing from Sweden and now based in London, 31-year-old Head Chef Catrin is a force to reckon with in the Central London culinary scene. Her early training in Culinary Arts and Meal Science at Örebro University set the foundation for her burgeoning career.
Eager to expand her horizons, Catrin moved to London in 2013, where she expertly navigated both corporate culinary roles with the Citi Group and elite stints at Michelin-starred establishments like The Goring Hotel. Presently, she lends her expertise to Bartlett Mitchell caterers, while enjoying city life with her husband, Josh.
Himanshu
24-year-old Himanshu, a Chef de Partie, brings a blend of international flavors from New Delhi and Dubai to London’s prestigious private members’ club in Mayfair. Born and bred in New Delhi, Himanshu’s culinary journey took him from the classrooms of the International Institute of Hotel Management to the kitchens of Five Palm in New Delhi and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Dubai.
Now residing in East London, Himanshu continues to dazzle patrons at Annabel’s, blending his rich heritage with the vibrancy of London’s culinary scene.
Dara
From the vibrant city of Limerick, Ireland to the serene surroundings of Hampshire, 24-year-old Sous Chef Dara has woven an inspiring culinary tale. The New Forest became his second home at 16, as he embarked on a culinary journey fueled by a family legacy in the hospitality industry.
An apprenticeship at Brockenhurst College set him on a path that led to culinary adventures at The Wykeham Arms in Winchester and Queen’s Hotel in Portsmouth. Now showcasing his skills at 36 on the Quay, Dara is determined to make his family proud as he competes in the coveted MasterChef: The Professionals.
Cristina
Hailing from the vibrant city of Recife in North-Eastern Brazil, 51-year-old Head Chef Cristina once walked the financial corridors as an accountant. However, a bold move to the UK two decades ago marked a transformation in her journey, trading ledgers for ladles. Cristina now crafts culinary wonders in South-East London, where she shares a home with her wife.
Her culinary prowess was sharpened at the esteemed Leith’s School of Food and Wine and Westminster Kingsway College. Cristina’s versatile skills have graced event catering giants like Rocket and Spook. Today, as the Group Head Chef at Camm & Hopper, she continues to impress with her fusion of Brazilian flair and British finesse.
Rosie
Rosie, the 34-year-old Chef Patron, infuses her unique blend of international and local experience at her café in Rye, The Fig. Residing in Romney Marsh with her toddler, her culinary story began post-university as a chalet chef amidst the snowy peaks of the French Alps.
Rosie’s return to Kent saw her gather valuable experience in local diners before she ventured into her entrepreneurial dream by opening her café. While formal culinary schooling eluded Rosie, hands-on experiences, including a significant stint at the Michelin-starred The Fordwich Arms, have been instrumental in shaping her kitchen expertise.
MasterChef: The Professionals airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
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