Who is chef Kieran Jones on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 returns to BBC One on Tuesday, November 3, and sous chef Kieran Jones is one of the six chefs fighting for a place in the next round in the opening heat.
The 24-year-old, who lives in the Scottish Borders with his fiancée, faces Dan Nunn, Jack Sencherey-Evans, Jemma Harrison, Ruchi Mehrotra and Matty Grove in the first group of this year’s MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 series, which features 24 chefs competing in groups of six.
Age at start of filming
24
Job role
Sous chef
Chef background
“I studied at Westminster Kingsway College and completed the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts apprenticeship.
“The first restaurant I worked professionally in was Galvin La Chapelle.”
Kieran is now sous chef at Sunlaws Restaurant in the Schloss Roxburghe Hotel near Kelso, which holds three AA rosettes.
Who or what inspired you to become a chef?
“My godfather was a huge inspiration to me and played a significant role in inspiring me to become a chef. When I was about eight years old I spent a day cooking with him, and he taught me to make pasta, which sparked my love for cooking.”
How would you describe your style of cooking and influences on it?
“My style of cooking is just creating food that makes people smile and that they would be excited to eat. I love championing ‘full carcass cooking’ and showing how many beautiful things can be created from one ingredient.”
Three ingredients you can’t live without?
“Butter, Chardonnay vinegar and mint (mainly for mojitos).”
What do you eat when you get back from service?
“My favourite thing to eat when I’m home from service is a big guilty pleasure; it’s tinned spaghetti on toast with loads of grated cheese.”
Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?
“I wanted to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals to really push myself and see what I was capable of.”
Outside of cooking, what are your passions?
“I love to spend time playing video games, golfing, and going on walks with my fiancée.”
>>> Read more: MasterChef: The Professionals series 19: start date, judges and the full chef lineup
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Who is chef Kieran Jones on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
