MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 cast - Meet the group of new chefs

Each episode, viewers have been introduced to four chefs in separate heats, and the line-up will be whittled down over the course of the competition before one chef is named the winner.

So far in the competition, we have seen a chef have to bow out of the competition, intense skill tests and some happy judges.

With a further four chefs announced, here's everything you need to know about them and the rest of the MasterChef: The Professionals winner hopefuls.

MasterChef: The Professionals chefs

Heat One

Cameron

Age: 25

From: Scottish Highlands

Cameron has worked in the coastal town of Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands. After beginning his culinary career at 17 years old, Cameron now runs the kitchen of his family restaurant.

The now 25-year-old has trained under Donald Mclean and Gary Phillips, as well as doing stages at The Kitchen and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay.

Talking about why he wanted to take part in the series, Cameron said: "When the restaurant is closed in the winter, I like to go and do stages in other restaurants to grow and learn as a chef. The MasterChef experience is another way of learning and being around fantastic chefs.

"I embrace the challenge. I'm very excited that this is a part of my journey so early on in my career, because I intend to keep growing and learning as a chef."

Catrin

Age: 31

From: London, originally from Sweden

Born in Sweden, Catrin trained in Culinary Arts and Meal Science at Örebro University before moving to London in 2013 to pursue a career as a chef. She currently works for a contract catering company in Central London.

Catrin described MasterChef: The Professionals as a "challenge" that she would "love to win".

Himanshu

Age: 24

From: East London, originally from New Delhi, India

Himanshu works for a private members' club in Mayfair, London, and has worked across India and Dubai before moving to the UK in 2022.

Over the course of his career, Himanshu worked at Five Palm in New Delhi and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Dubai. He now works at Annabel's in London.

The 24-year-old began taking part in cooking competitions in Dubai, which he "really enjoyed".

"When I moved to the UK I wanted to continue [cooking]. MasterChef: The Professionals was the first competition I came across, so I applied," he explained as to why he wanted to take part in the show.

"I speak to my mum back home in India every day, and all I want really is to make my family proud."

Dara

Age: 24

From: Hampshire, originally from Limerick, Ireland

Sous chef Dara moved to New Forest at 16 years old to start his chef career. With his whole family working in the hospitality industry, Dara hopes to make his family proud on MasterChef: The Professionals.

When asked why he wanted to take part in MasterChef, Dara said: "I want to be a role model for young people and show that you can come from nothing and build up to something great.

"I'd love to use the competition as a stepping stone for my own restaurant one day. In the meantime, I just want to build up my confidence and challenge myself."

Read more:

• MasterChef: The Professionals contestant withdraws after kitchen accident
• MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 judges – Meet the culinary experts

Heat Two

Cristina - Dropped out

Age: 51

From: Bromley, originally from Recife, Brazil

Head chef Cristina grew up in Brazil, where she worked as an accountant. That was until 20 years ago, when she moved to the UK and retrained as a chef.

While she proved to be a promising contestant on the show, Cristina had to drop out of the competition after a kitchen accident.

During the episode, Cristina opened the lid of a blender which contained a spicy bisque, but it splattered up and landed on her.

At the time, judge Marcus Wareing explained: "Unfortunately, Cristina's just had a bit of an accident. She put the bisque into a blender and it was incredibly hot. When she released the lid unfortunately some of it hit her face."

He then explained that Cristina "had to go and get medical help" and had to leave the competition.

Tommy

Age: 27

From: Bristol and Somerset

Tommy has spent the last 10 years working in award-winning restaurants across the UK, after beginning his cooking journey at Thornbury Castle.

The 27-year-old has "always been a massive fan of the show" and found it "really inspiring".

When asked why he wanted to take part in MasterChef, he explained: "My girlfriend gave me the push I needed to send my application. I feel ready with my skillset and think I could do well, although anything could happen on the day.

"I just really want to give it my best shot and show my son that you can do anything if you put your mind to it."

Charlie

Age: 22

From: Liskeard, Cornwall

Charlie has been working in kitchens since the age of 14, and has worked in restaurants across Devon and Cornwall for the last eight years.

He previously trained at Cornwall College and then went on to work at The Elephant and The Mariners by Paul Ainsworth.

Talking about why he wanted to take part on MasterChef: The Professionals, Charlie said: "I'm really ambitious and have lots of big plans for the future. I'd love my own restaurant as part of a boutique hotel and farm, where everything is grown and cooked on-site.

"Doing a huge competition like this allows me to test myself against other chefs, and hopefully gets me closer to making these big plans a reality."

Rosie

Age: 34

From: Romney Marsh in Kent/Rye in East Sussex

Rosie runs her own café in Rye. After finishing university, Rosie worked as a chalet chef in the French Alps, then returned to her home county of Kent. Rosie then worked in local restaurants to gain experience before opening up her own place.

Rosie hopes that her food can "hold its own when it comes to flavour" and is looking forward to being pushed out of her comfort zone on the show.

Heat Three

Jeany

Age: 31

From: Belfast. Born in Isle of Man

Senior sous chef Jeany works at a fine-dining themed restaurant and has worked at various hotels in her cooking career, including The Merchant Hotel and the Haslem Hotel.

Jeany got into cooking after spending time in the kitchen with her mother and getting cookbooks as Christmas presents.

"Both my grandmothers were great cooks. From an early age, I was amazed by all the different ingredients," she said.

Ola

Age: 33

From: Chatham, Kent. Born in Nigeria

Ola moved to the UK 13 years ago to pursue his dream of becoming a chef, and since moving to the UK, he has worked in fine-dining restaurants and now with a large catering firm.

When asked why he wanted to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals, Ola said: "Nothing is easy in life, you have to fight for it. I believe that with hard work and commitment, anything is possible. There are no limitations.

"I want to try my best on MasterChef: The Professionals and show that I am here to learn, too. No one is the finished article and we’re here to grow as chefs, which is what I hope to do."

Ieuan

Age: 26

From: Chippenham, Wiltshire. Originally from Newport, Wales

Ieuan has been a chef for over 10 years. After working his way up in high-end pub restaurants, Ieuan has been at his current two AA rosette kitchen for over four years, and is their sous chef.

He has previously trained at Crosskeys College and University College Birmingham. He also gained experience at Matt Tebbutt's The Foxhunter, Monmouthshire, and Pennyhill Park in Surrey, before becoming sous chef at The Castle Inn in Chippenham.

Describing his style of cooking, Ieuan said he loves "pub food".

"My style is modern British. I love trying new things and I’m not afraid to go bold with big flavours," he explained.

James

Age: 29

From: North London

James has been a chef for eight years, working in Michelin kitchens and as a private chef.

Despite studying politics and sociology at university, James went to work as a chalet chef after graduating, before working for a catering company in London.

He then spent four years working in various restaurants. James continues to work for private clients while running a street food business as CEO.

Heat Two, Week Two

Molly

Age: 27

From: Leeds

Molly has been working in kitchens ever since she was 12 years old, and now owns her own private hire business with her partner.

She began her chef journey at a local French Bistro, and then worked at Kendell's Bistro in Leeds and The Vincent and Wine & Wallop before starting up her own private chef company.

Speaking of why she wanted to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals, she said: "I've cooked for as long as I can remember and I just love what I do. I want to see what I’m capable of and I want to inspire other young chefs - especially young females. You don't have to come to from the best backgrounds to make something good out of yourself."

Lauren

Age: 29

From: Mitcham, Surrey

Lauren trained at Westminster Kingsway College before going on to work at 34 Mayfair. She now works at Harry's Kitchen, a party design and catering company in London.

The 29-year-old describes her cooking style as "bold, creative and flavoursome".

She added: "I love big flavours and spices. My biggest influence with food came from my dad and sister who love to cook and both taught me the basics from a young age. They really sparked my interest in food and cooking."

Joaquin

Age: 28

From: Clapham, London. Originally from Venezuela

After moving to the UK in 2017, Joaquin has spent the last six years working in various London restaurants, and he is currently a sous chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

The 28-year-old took part in MasterChef: The Professionals because he wanted to "really challenge" himself.

He continued: "Since I moved to the UK from Venezuela, I have felt so welcome here. But I've constantly pushed myself to learn and develop. MasterChef for me was an opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to meet other talented chefs and be part of a unique experience."

Evelina

Age: 28

From: Perth, Scotland. Originally from Lithuania

Evelina was born and raised in Lithuania, and when she moved to Scotland in 2013, she began her journey of training to be a chef.

After her move to Scotland, Evelina competed an SVQ in professional cookery and spent seven years working her way up in kitchens across the country. She now works at Glenturret Lalique Restaurant (1*) near Perth as chef de partie.

Speaking of why she applied for the show, she said: "I am entering MasterChef: The Professionals this year because I want to challenge and push myself in a way that will help me become a better chef.

"After many years working as an aspiring chef, I've finally decided it was time for me to take the leap and try my hand at being on such an esteemed cooking show. It is a great opportunity to test my culinary skills."

Heat One, Week Three

Philippe

Age: 33

From: London. Originally from Paris, France

Philippe worked in Michelin-starred and local bistro restaurants in Paris before moving to London in 2021 to "expand" his culinary journey, where he now works as a private chef.

The 33-year-old is "passionate about creating new dishes, experimenting with new flavours and combinations" as well as "exploring the endless possibilities of African, French and international cuisine".

He added: "I wanted to compete in MasterChef: The Professionals to show my talents to the UK. I believe I have a simplicity and purity in my cooking technique that will be beneficial to my competition. I think I can do well. I certainly hope so!"

Verity

Age: 32

From: Isle of Skye, Scotland

Verity has worked across award-winning restaurants in Scotland before she opened her own catering and supper club business five years ago.

Speaking of why she wanted to take part in the series, she said: "I've been watching MasterChef: The Professionals for many years and I have always imagined myself in that kitchen in front of the judges.

"I am more confident in myself now, and it felt like it was time to go for it. I’m nervous and excited to really be in the MasterChef kitchen!"

Dimi

Age: 29

From: London, originally from Ukraine

Dimi was born and raised in Ukraine, where he trained at Chef's Academy in Kyiv. He spent a year working in Kyiv and then two years in France before he moved to the UK, where he now works at Kricket, a modern Indian restaurant.

Dimi describes his cooking style as "modern cuisine inspired by traditional Ukraine flavours, along with spices and French techniques".

"I love bringing flavours of from where I grew up and combining them with everything I've learnt since working in London," he said.

Dan

Age: 32

From: Norwich, Norfolk

Dan gained experienced across various kitchens in two AA Rosette restaurants and hotels, as well as stages in Michelin-starred restaurants including Raby Hunt in Darlington and Michael Wignall at The Latymer, Pennyhill Park.

Speaking of why he decided to take part in the series, Dan said: "I applied to MasterChef: The Professionals to challenge and push myself out of my comfort zone. It’s important as a chef to constantly learn and pushing yourself in a competition is a good way of doing that. I want to give this my best shot."

Heat Two, Week Three

Gabrielle

Age: 33

From: Wandsworth, London

Gabrielle works for a household in London as a private chef. Having worked as a chef for 11 years, Gabrielle has worked in a range of places, from super yachts to high-end sports venues.

The 33-year-old describes her cooking style as "relaxed refinement".

Describing her style, she said: "Health is important to me and I like to bring that into the kitchen - I have a degree in nutrition that plays a part in the food that I cook."

Gabrielle feels as though she hasn't been challenging herself enough, and believes competing in MasterChef: The Professionals will reignite "that passion" she has.

Kasae

Age: 29

From: Yate, near Bristol. Originally from Australia

Kasae works in Bath as Head Chef of a contemporary Japanese restaurant. While starting out her culinary career in Australia, Kasae trained classically and has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Kasae chose to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals because she wanted to meet "like-minded people, other chefs and industry professionals".

"Sometimes it is so easy to get laser focused on what you're doing that you forget to reach out and talk to your peers and MasterChef: The Professionals is a unique opportunity to do this with such a range of chefs," she said of joining the show.

Giovann

Age: 33

From: Greenwich, London. Originally from Malta

After moving to the UK 11 years ago, Giovann now works in a Sicilian-inspired restaurant in central London.

Prior to moving to the UK, Giovann completed a four-year course in culinary arts in Malta while working at a five-star hotel.

Describing his cooking style, Giovann said: "I'd say as a whole my food is Mediterranean-inspired, using a variety of both British and Italian ingredients. The greatest thing about being a chef is that it's never boring."

Kyle

Age: 31

From: North Shields

Kyle first started out in the culinary world as a pot wash to earn some money to help his family. One day he was working the pastry chef was off sick and he stepped in to help, which kicked off his journey working in a kitchen.

The 31-year-old has "always had a passion for food" through watching programmes like MasterChef and Ready Steady Cook.

"I worked as a commis for a couple of years before going to college," he explained.

"I then staged in a couple of Michelin-starred venues around the country and that's when I knew I had really made the right choice in life. Food has always been my escape and now I get to do that every day for a living."

Heat Two, Week Four

I-Lin

Age: 29

From: London. Originally from Taiwan

I-Lin grew up in Tainan, the city with the earliest cultural roots in Taiwan before she moved to the UK in 2017 to study cookery. She now works at Holborn Dining Room (The Pie Room) in London.

Speaking of why she chose to apply for the series, I-Lin said: "I haven't had years and years of experience, but I was encouraged by my head chef to apply, so I want to give it a try and grow during this journey.

"Since living in the UK and being surrounded by the food culture here, I've wanted to introduce Taiwanese culture paired with the techniques of Western cuisine to the world. MasterChef: The Professionals is the perfect competition to do this."

Lindsay

Age: 30

From: Newcastle upon Tyne. Grew up near Edinburgh, Scotland

Lindsay has been a chef for nearly 10 years, working in Michelin kitchens and as a private chef. He now runs his own restaurant celebrating local and seasonal produce in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Lindsay describes his food style as "creative and modern".

"I try to stay away from classical or obvious dishes, as I don't feel there is much enjoyment in replicating something that has been done to death," he said.

Tristan

Age: 26

From: Fulham, London, and Stow Bardolph in Norfolk

Tristan went to Le Cordon Bleu at 18 years old. During this time, he completed multiple Michelin-starred restaurant stages. After he graduated, he worked from commis to head chef in two years. In 2020, he became a private chef full time.

He said of applying for the series: "I feel that my career so far has been leading to something and so the time is right to apply for MasterChef: The Professionals.

"I have learnt so much and met some incredible people and chefs during my career so far and I’d like to continue that learning curve upwards."

Tom

Age: 24

From: Horsham, West Sussex

24-year-old Tom is classically trained and has worked in Michelin-starred and AA Rosette-winning restaurants for the last seven years. He now works at a three AA Rosette restaurant in Horsham.

While Tom has taken part in various competitions, he described MasterChef: The Professionals as "next level".

"I think I have a good chance of doing well and making my family proud. I’ve always loved MasterChef: The Professionals so it’s an honour to compete. It's another chance to step out of my comfort zone, and for someone my age I think ambition and being the best version of yourself is important," he said.

MasterChef: The Professionals continues on Monday 13th November at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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