Who is chef Gemma Ellis on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
With MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 now in full swing on BBC One, we find out more about Gemma Ellis, one of the chefs taking part in this year’s competition.
Originally from Suffolk, Gemma now lives in Westbourne Park, London, with her husband.
Age at start of filming
36
Job role
Head chef/owner
Chef background
“I trained at Le Cordon Bleu London and started working at The Angel, Halesworth and went on to various other roles including at The Harwood Arms in Fulham.
"I opened my own Italian-focused restaurant in London and some of the standout moments there have been all about creativity and resilience – such as making over 60,000 pizzas, building a one tonne pizza oven, and steering the business through the pandemic.”
Who and what inspired you to become a chef?
“I’ve always loved entertaining and hosting. I’m interested in the full experience, from wine to table settings and flowers. I believe I was made to cook, host, and bring people together.”
How would you describe your style of cooking and any influences on it?
“I consider myself a confident, intuitive chef. I love old recipes and seasonal cooking, particularly the simplicity of Italian food. I cook slowly and thoughtfully.
“I’ve worked with a team from Sri Lanka and India for years now and I’m always influenced by them. We chat about what they’ve had at the weekend and we make Paratha and curries and they always bring me ingredients I haven’t tried. Food is such a special way of sharing someone’s culture.”
Three ingredients you can’t live without
“Anchovies, Parmesan, and a very good chicken stock.”
What you eat when you get back from service
“I rarely eat late, but might have a nori wrap with fridge leftovers and XO sauce, a spoon of homemade XO, or even peanut butter. More often, I’ll open a bottle of Sangiovese and sit by the fire with my husband, than have a late night snack after work.”
Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?
“Taking part in MasterChef is such an incredible opportunity to have a platform for your food, and of course I’m a restaurant owner so I jumped at the chance. Also, I think it’s important to remember that young women can also be restaurant owners too.”
Outside of cooking what are your passions?
“I love a solo lunch date - is that a passion? I am very rarely on my own but I like to go to a bar, order a martini, eat a beautiful plate of food and read a book.”
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Who is chef Gemma Ellis on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
