Sam for MasterChef 2026 Heat 1 / BBC
Age: 39
Job: Accounts Assistant
From: St Albans
How would you describe your cooking style?
“I love to cook anything and EVERYTHING so I don’t really have a particular style. There isn’t a cuisine that I don’t like, and I love trying new recipes that I see in books, on TV or online. I want to cook it all – from fried chicken (my son’s absolute favourite!) to fine dining. I also like creating meals with what’s hanging about in the fridge and rustling something up.”
What is your favourite ingredient to cook with?
“This is a tough one and for that reason, I must pick two ingredients. Garlic and chilli! You can make anything taste good and add so much flavour with a bit of either of these and I say the more the merrier. When the recipe says three cloves of garlic – add 6!”
Why did you take part in the show?
“I have always been a HUGE fan of the show and watched it since it started. I always wanted to give it a go, and I did apply a few times over the years and then work and having a family took up a lot of my time, so I thought being 40 next year, let’s get it off the bucket list. And here I am!”
Would you like to work professionally in the food industry?
“I would love to get into food writing and recipe development. I would also love to do a supper club. I enjoy posting recipes on my social media so I would like to grow in this area too.”
The new series of MasterChef begins tonight at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
