Who is chef Mario Pérez Reyes on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
Ahead of MasterChef: The Professionals 2026, which begins on BBC One from Tuesday, February 10 at 8pm, we find out more about Mario Pérez Reyes, one of the chefs taking part in this year’s competition.
Originally from Seville, Spain, Mario now lives in Waltham Forest, London, with his best friend Paul, whom he met in their first London jobs in 2014.
Age at start of filming
38
Job role
Private chef/head chef
Chef background
“I’ve really loved becoming a private chef - being able to create and cook my own menus.
“I haven't studied anywhere and learned everything by working in restaurants.
“I first worked at Galvin La Chapelle, London - it was where everything started and I learned all the basics, both cooking-wise and English language-wise.
“I work now at Nomadic Dinners – an open fire restaurant in the middle of the woods. I also keep growing my private chef career at the same time.”
Who and what inspired you to become a chef?
“I always loved food. It is a big thing in Spain and especially my family. My mom is the best cook and so were my two grandmothers.
“I always liked to cook at home since a young age, but I didn’t become a chef until I moved to London when I was 26, thanks to my friend Iain Smith. I truly owe him for that.”
How would you describe your style of cooking and any influences on it?
“I would describe it as seasonal, flavourful, and relaxed. I love cooking with coal and wood, so I try to use it as much as I can. My influences are obviously Spanish, but after 12 years in London working in so many places, I think I have an interesting mix of cuisines.”
Three ingredients you can’t live without
“Tomato, olive oil, tinned fish (any kind, really).”
What do you eat when you get back from service?
“If I am at home, I tend to make the easiest and quickest thing possible. But I love to go and treat myself with some Turkish or East Asian food.”
Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?
“I was always unconfident and never considered myself a good cook. For years I suffered from anxiety and panic attacks, so I decided it was time for some shock therapy!
“It will feel quite exposing in front of the judges and the cameras, knowing that everyone would see me failing or not, but I took the courage and I’m going to do it.”
Outside of cooking what are your passions?
“I love to enjoy simple things - a nice coffee, walking in the forest, riding my motorbike, gardening at home, or playing my guitar.”
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Who is chef Mario Pérez Reyes on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
