Michael for MasterChef 2025 / BBC
Age: 40
Occupation: Senior Environmental Protection Officer
From: Shrewsbury via Nigeria
How would you describe your style of cooking?
“African Fusion.”
What is your favourite ingredient to cook with and why?
“My favourite ingredient to cook with is red palm oil. It’s not just an ingredient — it’s part of my heritage and the soul of many of the dishes I grew up with. In fact, it’s used in around 80% of our soups and stews, from egusi to ogbono to banga. Red palm oil brings a rich, earthy depth and a vibrant colour that you simply can’t replicate with anything else. It carries tradition, identity, and comfort. The aroma alone takes me straight back to kitchens filled with laughter, family, and big pots bubbling on the stove. For me, red palm oil represents more than flavour — it’s culture in a bottle. Cooking with it allows me to stay connected to my roots while also introducing others to the richness of West African cuisine.”
Why did you enter MasterChef this year?
“I entered MasterChef this year because I wanted to challenge myself and share my passion for food on a bigger stage. To see how far I could push my creativity under pressure. Cooking has always been more than a hobby to me. It’s a way I express love, culture, and identity, and I felt ready to put that to the test in the MasterChef kitchen.”
MasterChef continues weekly on BBC One and iPlayer.
