Brendan for MasterChef 2026 Heat 1 / BBC
Age: 57
Job: Construction Project Company Director
From: Surrey via Essex
How would you describe your cooking style?
“I would like to think I am a very flexible cook and enjoy cooking many different types of cuisine and cooking methods with lots of different ingredients. I love outdoor cooking and love to barbecue on an open fire and eat healthily. In the last year, I have focused a lot more on nutrition and healthy eating and how the right types of food can really be a benefit to the way we live so I really enjoy creating dishes that fuel and support a healthy lifestyle.
“That said, I also have a real passion spending time being creative and making my versions of classical French and English dishes which gives me the opportunity to experiment with my own little twist on dishes, these can be somewhat more indulgent but a little bit of extra cream and butter here and there is always good for you as long as it is in moderation!
“My love of classical food has developed over the years watching TV programmes such as MasterChef: The Professionals. This inspired me to learn and try new techniques enabling me to be creative in my own little world. I also love a good cookbook for inspiration and follow chefs like Clare Smyth and John Williams who to me are leaders in the world of presenting beautiful food.”
What is your favourite ingredient to cook with?
“This is a difficult one for me, I love to cook with so many different meats, fishes and vegetables but if I had to choose, I think it would be the humble chicken. It can be cooked in many ways as part of a street food culture or uplifted to a fine dining experience. Whatever your preference: fried, grilled, roasted or barbecued chicken can adapt and take on some amazing flavours from all around the world to make it one of the most versatile and flexible ingredients.”
Why did you take part in the show?
“I have watched MasterChef from the first episode, and it has been part of my life for so many years. Over the years, many people have said I should enter the competition, especially my wife and children, so back in 2020 I entered for the first time and decided that I would keep on entering every year until I made it onto the show. Five years later it happened and my long-term dream became a reality – definitely a major thing on my bucket list ticked!”
Would you like to work professionally in the food industry?
“My passion for food has developed over the past few years and I have really enjoyed the journey learning about healthy food and nutrition and the amazing way simple dietary changes can literally change people’s lives for the better. So, I would love to continue my food journey by maybe teaching healthy food cookery or being involved in charity cooking events, pop ups, chef collaborations or even a cookbook for healthy eating mixed with some date night special occasion dinners.”
The new series of MasterChef begins tonight at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
