Who is chef Terry Davies 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 Terry Davies, one of the chefs taking part in this year’s competition.
Originally from Rock Ferry on the Wirral, Terry now lives in York with his wife, Kerrianne, and their son and works as head chef at The Tickled Trout.
Age at start of filming
38
Job role
Head chef
Chef background
“I’m a self-taught chef who has worked my way up and gaining experience in a variety of kitchens. I began my career at the Village Hotel in Wirral, which gave me my first real taste of professional cooking.
“I’m now working as head chef at gastropub, The Tickled Trout Inn, Bilton in Ainsty, a gastro pub. It’s had a major impact on me not only professionally, but because I also met my wife there.
“A major highlight of my career so far has been working with and learning from James Martin at the Talbot Hotel in Malton, an experience that had a lasting impact on my confidence and development as a chef.”
Who and what inspired you to become a chef?
“I was inspired by the head chef at the Village Hotel, who encouraged me to try a Beef Wellington for the first time. That experience sparked my curiosity, and I went on to try making it myself.
"It made me realise how changing just one ingredient in a dish can completely transform the flavour, and that creativity and experimentation are what make cooking so exciting.”
How would you describe your style of cooking and any influences on it?
“I love using new and exciting ingredients and being creative with different flavour concepts. I like to take classics and give them a new twist!”
Three ingredients you can’t live without
“Garlic, butter, and salt.”
What do you eat when you get back from service?
“Proper, traditional English food. My wife cooks old-school dishes like cottage pie, roast dinners, and toad in the hole. Even simple things like sausage roll, with chips and beans are a go-to after a long service.”
Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?
“I wanted to push myself and do something completely out of my comfort zone. After getting married and having a baby, taking on a challenge like MasterChef felt like the right time to test myself.”
Outside of cooking what are your passions?
“Outside of cooking, I’m really passionate about DIY. Before becoming a chef, I worked as a landscape gardener, and I still enjoy taking on a good project. I renovated our house before our son was born, and I love staying hands-on and busy outside the kitchen.”
For 17 years, The Staff Canteen has been the meeting place for chefs and hospitality professionals—your stories, your skills, your space.
Every recipe, every video, every news update exists because this community makes it possible.
We’ll never hide content behind a paywall, but we need your help to keep it free.
If The Staff Canteen has inspired you, informed you, or simply made you smile, chip in £3—less than a coffee—to keep this space thriving.
Together, we keep the industry connected. Together, we move forward.
Support Us
CONTRIBUTE
Who is chef Terry Davies on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
