Finley for MasterChef 2025 Heat 2 / BBC
Age: 22
Occupation: Logistics Manager / Model
From: Newport
How would you describe your style of cooking?
“My style of cooking is intuitive and creative. I like to think I can open a fridge or a cupboard and work with whatever is in there. I love the food of the Mediterranean – the eating culture of these countries and the lifestyle is amazing. When I’ve travelled there and eaten with locals, I’ve seen first-hand how they cook and eat together and I think that made its mark on me. I also love Mexican and Indian food — the bold, vibrant flavour combinations really interest me. French cuisine is another favourite; I tend to find myself eating classics of that cuisine.
“I just cook what I love to eat, and I enjoy being creative with it. I’ve learned a lot from watching chefs online and on social media, but my favourite way to learn is sitting at a restaurant counter, watching chefs cook right in front of me.”
What is your favourite ingredient to cook with and why?
“I love fresh herbs – oregano, basil, thyme and rosemary. I grow them in little pots in my garden and they’re always a joy to cook with. You can’t beat a kitchen smelling of these fresh, herby aromas. I’ve been really enjoying sage and lemon recently too.”
Why did you enter MasterChef this year?
“I wanted to challenge myself and see how good I was under pressure so I applied to MasterChef. Making cooking videos online led me to applying as I had amassed a total of two million views, and I had a few comments from friends and family urging me to apply so I thought why not. I’m only 22, what better time than to give it a shot? I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without my girlfriend’s support.”
MasterChef returns Wednesday at 8pm on BBC One.
