Who is chef Ola Azeez on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?

With MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 now in full swing on BBC One, we find out more about Ola Azeez, one of the chefs taking part in this year’s competition.

Ola lives in Beckenham, London, and grew up in foster care and brings his Nigerian and Caribbean roots into his cooking.

Age at start of filming

35

Job role

Senior sous chef

Chef background

“My journey into food was shaped by independence. Growing up in foster care, I learned early on how to rely on myself, and cooking became a way to create comfort and connection.

“Westminster Kingsway College was where everything opened up - I stepped out of my comfort zone, met people from all walks of life, and discovered the industry I wanted to grow in.

“My first professional role was at Bank of America as a commis chef. I worked my way up from staff dining to hospitality, where I discovered a whole new world of possibilities. Jason Atherton’s Social Eating House taught me discipline and attention to detail. Vacherin and chef Nick Garvis taught me organisation, leadership, being a team player and creative thinking.

“Today, I work at Chilli Bees, an events and catering company, cooking everything from intimate dinners to large-scale charity events and weddings. I’m now exploring what’s next - whether that means stepping into a new role or building my own private-chef brand.”

Who and what inspired you to become a chef?

“My foster aunt - the woman who taught me how to cook from a young age. She cooked every Sunday, singing along to Songs of Praise, feeding the whole house with joy and generosity. Watching her taught me that food is love, community, and storytelling.”

How would you describe your cooking style and influences?

“My style is simple but expressive - ingredients that speak for themselves, backed by classical training and shaped by my Nigerian and Caribbean roots.”