Who is chef Connor Wilson on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 continues on BBC One next week, and head chef Connor Wilson is one of the six chefs fighting for a place in the next round in the third heat.
The 33-year-old, who lives in Northumberland, faces Abigail Smith, Andrea Ruszel, Dominique Ogunlowo, Isabel Almeida Da Silva and Jim Foster-Grundy in the third group of this year's MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 series, which features 24 chefs competing in groups of six.
Age at start of filming
33
Job role
Head chef
Chef background
Connor learned his trade through an apprenticeship at a local pub.
His first job was at the Twice Brewed Inn, where he started as a kitchen porter before progressing to an apprenticeship.
He is now head chef at The Kirkstyle Inn & Sportsman's Rest in Slaggyford.
On his career highlights so far, he said: "Achieving three AA rosettes and being listed in the Michelin Guide."
Who or what inspired you to become a chef?
"I was inspired to become a chef when I got a job as a kitchen porter and loved being in that environment. I would watch the cookery shows that were on at the time and Heston Blumenthal was huge when I was first becoming a chef."
How would you describe your style of cooking and influences on it?
"My style of cooking is heavily rooted in classical technique as, when I first started cooking, I did not have a strong mentor. I would read cookbooks, such as Larousse Gastronomique, and try to understand the classical theory behind cooking.
"From there I went to work with some excellent chefs and learned how to apply that technique in a modern way. I am very passionate about reducing waste and became more and more enamoured with the techniques of preservation, such as pickling and fermentation.
"I aim to cook with precision and focus a lot on making sure everything is clean and sharp, while also respecting nature and staying true to the natural form of an ingredient."
Three ingredients you can't live without?
"Butter, salt, and vinegar. I think these are the ingredients that form the foundation of flavour and bring so much to a dish."
What do you eat when you get back from service?
"I don't really eat that much after service so normally nothing but, if I was to eat something, it'd normally be something sweet like Galaxy Caramel!"
Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?
"I was encouraged to enter MasterChef: The Professionals by my boss and my partner.
"I live, and work, in a very rural location and one of our biggest challenges is to get people to know about us, so I entered with the hope to bring a little bit of recognition to our restaurant and hopefully get people talking about Slaggyford!"
Outside of cooking, what are your passions?
"I don't really have that much time outside of cooking but, when I do have some spare time, I like to go mountain biking or ride a motocross bike. Basically, anything two wheels off road! I love to do those things with my kids."
>>> Read more: MasterChef: The Professionals series 19: start date, judges and the full chef lineup
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Who is chef Connor Wilson on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
