Masterchef: The Professionals | Who are the contestants in Heat One of the new series?

Entering its sixteenth series, ‘MasterChef: The Professionals’ is back, featuring 32 talented chefs hailing from various corners of the UK, all vying for the prestigious 2023 championship title. The panel of discerning judges, including Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing, acclaimed chef Monica Galetti and seasoned MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace, are on the hunt for the next culinary sensation to emerge from the competition.

Across a gruelling seven-week period, the participating chefs will face an array of rigorous challenges, putting their culinary prowess, inventiveness, and culinary expertise to the ultimate test. With only the most outstanding contestants standing a chance at claiming the coveted trophy, the pressure is on.

In the debut episode, airing this evening,  the competition kicks off with the first four contenders stepping into the kitchen. The chefs must first prove their mettle in the infamous Skills Test before proceeding to showcase their culinary finesse in the Signature Menu round. 

The first two chefs are put to the test with a challenge set by Monica, who tasks them with preparing and cooking a fillet of brill paired with a turnip garnish and coconut sauce. 

Meanwhile, Marcus directs the next two hopefuls to poach and pan-fry a portion of guinea fowl and create a sherry hollandaise, all within the stringent 20-minute timeframe.

As the competition heats up, only the most exceptional chefs will proceed to the quarter-finals, one step closer to claiming the coveted title of MasterChef: The Professionals Champion 2023.

Who are the Heat One contestants on the new season of ‘Masterchef: The Professionals?’

Cameron

Twenty-five-year-old Cameron, currently the Head Chef at the Cornerstone restaurant, has spent the majority of his culinary career in the picturesque coastal town of Mallaig. Juggling kitchen duties with family responsibilities, Cameron lives with his partner and their two-year-old son, while his mother and brother manage the front of house at the family restaurant.

With a training background under the guidance of Donald Mclean and Gary Phillips, along with stages at The Kitchin and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Cameron has refined his culinary expertise to showcase the best of Scotland's local produce. Emphasizing the importance of family time, Cameron enjoys moments spent with his girlfriend and son. When away from the kitchen, he indulges in his love for running, fishing, and occasionally, a relaxing round of golf.

Catrin

Catrin, the Head Chef at Bartlett Mitchell, has worked in various culinary environments, ranging from corporate setups to the esteemed corridors of The Goring Hotel. Born and raised in Sweden, Catrin's love for food stems from her childhood, spent cooking alongside her food-loving family.

After a stint at Örebro University, Catrin ventured to the UK, where she has garnered experience at several renowned establishments, cultivating a style characterized by her Swedish roots and a commitment to minimizing waste. Embracing the outdoors with her husband, Catrin often engages in activities such as running and cycling, serving as a refreshing escape from her bustling kitchen routine.

Himanshu

The 24-year-old Chef de Partie at Annabel's, Himanshu, carries with him the rich culinary heritage of India, merged with the finesse acquired from his international experiences. Having worked in New Delhi, Dubai, and now London, Himanshu's cooking reflects a harmonious blend of Indian and European flavours.

Himanshu's journey through the culinary world has been shaped by his exposure to various cuisines, including French and Japanese, resulting in a style that showcases the vibrant diversity of his cultural influences. In addition to his passion for food, Himanshu nurtures a deep interest in exploring the diverse culinary landscape of India and enjoys expressing himself through singing and dancing.

Dara

Hailing from a family deeply rooted in the hospitality industry, 24-year-old Sous Chef Dara's culinary journey began in the New Forest, following in the footsteps of his chef father. His devotion to creating modern European cuisine, driven by an appreciation for local produce and foraging, defines his style.

Having worked in various establishments, including 36 on the Quay in Hampshire, Dara has garnered experience ranging from pub kitchens to fine dining restaurants, crafting a style that demonstrates his commitment to using every part of the ingredients he works with. A former rugby player for Richmond RFC, Dara maintains an active interest in sports, often enjoying social time with friends while indulging in the thrill of the game.

When does ‘Masterchef: The Professionals’ screen on TV?

The first episode of ‘Masterchef: The Professionals’ airs this evening (Monday October 23 2023) at 9pm on BBC One, with a further two episodes airing this week on Tuesday at 8pm and Thursday at 8pm. The show will continue this broadcast schedule in the weeks ahead. All episodes will be available on demand through the BBC’s iPlayer service.