Who is chef Evan Holliday MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 contestant?

Here is a closer look at the contestants taking to our screens on MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 on Tuesday, November 12 at 9pm.

Introducing Evan Holliday, junior sous chef at Simpsons in Birmingham.

Evan is one half of popular social media duo RogueChefs, alongside Jordan Johnson, who is also competing in MasterChef: The Professionals this year.

NAME

Evan Holliday

AGE

21

WHERE ARE YOU FROM/WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

Evan was born and raised in Birmingham. His grandad was a chef and Evan learned to cook by assisting the family from a young age. At 16 he took the leap and started his journey of becoming a chef. He lives in Birmingham with his mum, an orthodontist and dad, a golf coach.

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Evan left school at 16 knowing he wanted to be a chef. He knocked on the door of Simpsons in Birmingham and they took him on. Evan completed his NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery through his workplace Simpsons. After a six-month stint at two Michelin-starred restaurant Moor Hall, he returned to Simpsons where he currently works as junior sous chef.

WHO AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A CHEF?

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do growing up, my dad is a golf coach so that was an option for a bit to follow in his footsteps, but it just didn’t feel like right path for me when it came to it. My grandad worked in the food industry and that had a big influence on me. I don’t really know how or why to be honest; I’ve just always loved food.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF COOKING AND ANY INFLUENCES ON IT?

“I’m classically trained and have worked in Michelin-starred kitchens since I was 16, so classic cooking definitely plays a main role in my style. I like to add my own twists though where I can but I’m young, so developing my own style in some ways is still yet to come.”

WHY DID YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS?

“I’ve entered the competition to push myself and win! I want a star of my own one day and this is a great way to learn.”

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“Golf is still something I love to play and watch with my dad, but I love football too, I support Aston Villa and have done for the last six years.”