Mel for MasterChef 2025 / BBC
Age: 62
Occupation: Software Developer
From: St Albans via Lowestoft
How would you describe your style of cooking?
“I love to play with classic dishes and then add a twist of modern simplicity to the presentation. The goal is always to make my food seem effortless and then surprise with flavour and depth.
“Waste matters a lot and I’ve been inspired by chefs like Marcus Wareing to respect every part of every ingredient.
“I would say I cook mostly European food with a love of Italy but more recently I’m inspired by Middle Eastern recipes and flavours.”
What is your favourite ingredient to cook with and why?
“Garlic and anchovies. They’re fundamental flavourings and as I cook a lot of Italian inspired dishes, they’re almost always to hand.”
Why did you enter MasterChef this year?
“MasterChef is a show I’ve followed for so many years, and you can’t help but think you could do better than some of the contestants, given a chance! Also, I’ve had family and friends telling me for years that they thought I could do rather well on the show, so I just thought “Let’s see if they are right!” I had applied once before so I just thought I would give it another shot. After 20 years of cooking, from a complete novice (Spag Bol seemed a triumph) to the cook I have become that will confidently host friends, I am determined to keep learning and experience as many different aspects of cooking as I can.”
MasterChef continues Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm and Friday at 8.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
