Charlie for MasterChef 2025 Heat 2 / BBC
Age: 36
Occupation: Landscape Gardener
From: London
How would you describe your style of cooking?
“I like to put a modern twist on things. I love small plates, tapas and Mediterranean food. I get my inspiration mostly from travelling, visiting different countries and seeing where the dishes originate from. I love food markets, local restaurants and independent delicacies. I was inspired from a young age by my mum’s cooking and when she hosted dinner parties and family gatherings.”
What is your favourite ingredient to cook with and why?
“It’s hard to say what I most like cooking with as there are so many great choices, but probably olive oil – good quality olive oil. Once you use really good stuff and then taste the not so good stuff, it’s horrible.”
Why did you enter MasterChef this year?
“I have always wanted to go on the competition but didn’t feel confident enough. But the last year or so, I upped my game, and realised I wasn’t bad. I love cooking and I constantly get told to apply, I am growing as a person and I think now is a good time for me to apply and show my passion for cooking. I wanted to prove to myself that anything is possible and if you want something to just go for it.”
MasterChef returns Wednesday at 8pm on BBC One.
