Who is chef Ben Tuff on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?

The Staff Canteen

With MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 heats coming to a close on BBC One, we find out more about Ben Tuff, one of the chefs taking part in this year’s competition.

Ben lives in Bristol, Somerset with his girlfriend and dog and grew up in Kent.

Age at start of filming

30

Job role

head chef

Chef background

“I began my career as a commis chef and worked my way through kitchens without formal culinary college. My most memorable role was at The Methuen Arms, where I earned three AA rosettes as a junior sous chef in 2020. During filming, I worked at The Bear and Swan in Chew Magna.”

Four chefs in the kitchen of MasterChef: The Professionals 2026
Ben Tuff, right, with his fellow MasterChef: The Professional heat candidates

Who and what inspired you to become a chef?

“Cooking with my mum and nan, plus a work experience placement at 15.”

How would you describe your style of cooking?

“Modern British pub food—hyper-seasonal, nose-to-tail, honest.”

Three ingredients you can’t live without

“Beef fat, lemons, and butter.”

What you eat when you get back from service

“Whatever my girlfriend cooks - 10/10.”

Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?

“To prove to myself that I could.”

Outside of cooking what are your passions?

“Manchester United, my dog, the gym, football, and Xbox.”

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The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 25th February 2026

Who is chef Ben Tuff on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?