Preston chef to battle for quarter-final place on BBC MasterChef: The Professionals

A Preston chef who works at Blackburn’s prestigious Northcote will battle it out for a place in the quarter-final of MasterChef: The Professionals.
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28-year-old Ollie will first take on the daunting ‘Skills Test’ before cooking two dishes in the ‘Signature Menu’ round.

Only the chefs who can demonstrate they could have the all-round skills, technique and flair of a future champion will make it through to the next stage.

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Ollie, who was born in Preston but now lives in Clitheroe with his girlfriend, currently works as a Sous Chef chef at Northcote in Langho – an award-winning Michelin Star restaurant.

Speaking about his decision to enter the competition, he said: “MasterChef: The Professionals is an extremely prestigious competition and I feel I’m ready to compete.

“I know I can work well under pressure so it’s time to test that at the next level.”

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Ollie has previously worked as a Chef de Partie and Senior Sous Chef, and revealed his love for cooking was inspired by his gran.

Ollie will battle it out for a place in the quarter-final of MasterChef: The Professionals (Credit: Shine TV/BBC)Ollie will battle it out for a place in the quarter-final of MasterChef: The Professionals (Credit: Shine TV/BBC)
Ollie will battle it out for a place in the quarter-final of MasterChef: The Professionals (Credit: Shine TV/BBC)

“I have lots of memories of cooking with her,” he said.

“I guess that’s where it all started.”

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He hoped his “clean style with minimalist plating” would help him win over judges Marcus Wareing, Gregg Wallace and Anna Haugh.

MasterChef: The Professionals returned to BBC One this November for its 15th series, with 32 ambitious chefs from across the country battling to become the 2022 Champion.

Ollie currently works as a Sous Chef chef at Northcote in Langho – an award-winning Michelin Star restaurant (Credit: Shine TV/BBC)Ollie currently works as a Sous Chef chef at Northcote in Langho – an award-winning Michelin Star restaurant (Credit: Shine TV/BBC)
Ollie currently works as a Sous Chef chef at Northcote in Langho – an award-winning Michelin Star restaurant (Credit: Shine TV/BBC)

Ollie will be competing on Thursday’s show (November 24) at 9.10pm in a bid to get through to Friday’s quarter-final at 9pm.

It will be available to watch on BBC One and iPlayer.

Marcus Wareing said: “The hunt for the 2022 champion is on and we’re ready to push these chefs as far as they can go.

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“The sky’s the limit as far as I’m concerned and that trophy is just waiting to be claimed.”

Gregg Wallace added: “What a thrill to get these kitchen doors open again and welcome a new generation of professional contenders.

“I’m ready to be dazzled and ultimately reveal the next incredible cooking talent.”

Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Anna Haugh was a new judge in this year’s competition.

She said: “I’m thrilled to join the MasterChef judging team and meet new chefs on new

“I’ll be judging the same way I judge my own chefs in my kitchen - I’ll be firm but fair and my expectations are high.

“I cannot wait to see what this year’s competition is going to bring.”