Who is chef Abigail Smith on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?

MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 continues on BBC One next week, and demi chef de partie Abigail Smith is one of the six chefs fighting for a place in the next round in the third heat.

The 20-year-old, who lives in Berkshire, faces Andrea Ruszel, Connor Wilson, Dominique Ogunlowo, Isabel Almeida Da Silva and Jim Foster-Grundy in the third group of this year's MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 series, which features 24 chefs competing in groups of six.

Age at start of filming

20

Job role

Demi chef de partie

Chef background

Abigail trained at Farnborough College of Technology.

She said: "My experience at catering college was pivotal to the chef I am today. I had some amazing experiences including travelling to both Nepal and Tanzania experiencing the culture and cuisines, whilst also teaching British cookery."

Asked about the most memorable place she has worked, she said: "As a stage, it has to be Le Gavroche, just because it holds such an important place in culinary history and excellence. It was an absolute privilege to work alongside chef Michel Roux Jr and really helped mould my drive and ambition."

She now works at The Hand & Flowers, Tom Kerridge's pub in Marlow.

On her career highlights so far, she said: "One of my key highlights most recently was flying to Denmark with chef Tom Kerridge and my head chef Sarah Hayward to represent The Hand & Flowers for a guest chef event at the two-Michelin-starred Henne Kirkeby Kro."

Who or what inspired you to become a chef?

"When I was growing up, the kitchen was at the heart of the home, and I always remember us all helping to prepare Sunday lunch with my mum. I used to really enjoy this time. I also have really fond memories of baking with my nana.

"It's hard to say who exactly inspired me, but I know when I was in the kitchen I was at my happiest and that's what led me to culinary college. My biggest inspiration has been the encouragement from my family, their belief in me and it being drummed into me day in day out that anything is possible.

"I've met and worked with some amazing chefs. Of course, I work for Tom Kerridge who has been a great support and champion as well as an inspiration to me.

"Additionally, the first British female chef to be awarded three Michelin stars, chef Clare Smyth has also had a huge impact on me in terms of my ambition and drive for success. I was lucky enough to complete an amazing stage at Core under chef Clare and her team."

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How would you describe your style of cooking and influences on it?

"I'm still developing my style, but the biggest influences are classic French and British cookery. I have a love for travel and think that will continue to shape and influence my style as I develop."

Three ingredients you can't live without?

"Salt, butter, lemon."

What do you eat when you get back from service?

"If I'm hungry, I often knock up a quick egg fried rice!"

Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?

"I wanted to prove that age isn't a barrier and to show other young and inspiring chefs out there that anything is possible.

"I wanted to be a role model to other young female chefs, encouraging them to believe in themselves and make the most of any opportunity given to them. I am lucky enough to have a number of strong female supporters, including my head chef Sarah Hayward, who pushes and inspires me to be my best every day. If I could be that inspiration for other young women who are just starting out, it would make me so happy.

"MasterChef was also about challenging myself. I knew it would be hard with so many amazing chefs with many more years of experience than me, but I like to be pushed and develop further.

"I grew up watching MasterChef and it was always a dream, I just didn't know it was a dream that would become a reality."

Outside of cooking, what are your passions?

"Travelling, walking my dog Milo, and spending quality time with the family."

>>> Read more: MasterChef: The Professionals series 19: start date, judges and the full chef lineup