Who is chef Lana Meek on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
With MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 heats coming to a close on BBC One, we find out more about Lana Meek, one of the chefs taking part in this year’s competition.
Lana lives in Kidderminster, Worcestershire with her husband.
Age at start of filming
29
Job role
Sous chef
Chef background
“Cooking has been a constant throughout my life.
"I grew up helping in the kitchen at home, and that early exposure became the foundation of everything I do now. I took catering as a GCSE, then trained for two years at catering college in Redditch before securing my first professional role at The Elms Hotel.
"Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of kitchens that each shaped me in different ways.
"Fishmore Hall stands out as especially memorable - it challenged and developed me both technically and creatively.
"During MasterChef filming, I was working at the Prince Rupert Hotel, a venue known for classic flavours with a twist. Today, I’m part of the team at The Crown in Martley, a modern gastropub with a café attached, where local and seasonal produce shape the menu and the philosophy of the kitchen.”
Who and what inspired you to become a chef?
“My mum, without question. She worked in kitchens before I was born and later ran a wedding catering business with my grandmother.
"Some of my earliest memories are of sitting on the kitchen floor whisking cake batter while she prepared meals. She taught me how to make something out of nothing when times were tight, encouraged me constantly, and never hesitated to taste or test anything I created.
"She made food feel like comfort, creativity and care - and she made me want to carry that forward.”
How would you describe your style of cooking and any influences on it?
“I love taking classic dishes and flavour combinations and putting my own twist on them.
"I’m also drawn to experimenting with ingredients I’ve never used before. That sense of curiosity keeps my approach evolving and pushes me to create dishes that feel familiar yet fresh.”
Three ingredients you can’t live without?
“Salt, butter, garlic.”
What do you eat when you get back from service?
“Right now, my go-to is chicken gyoza ramen with a Korean marinated Mayak egg - warming, comforting, and exactly what I need to unwind after a long shift.”
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Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?
“I wanted to build confidence - not just in my cooking, but in myself. I wanted to learn, push my limits, have fun, and discover more about who I am as a chef.
"Taking part in MasterChef felt like the right step toward growth, both personally and professionally.”
Outside of cooking, what are your passions?
“I recently started a weight-loss journey which introduced me to a new love: kickboxing.
"I enjoy reading, spending time with family, and travelling whenever possible - anything that expands my world and brings balance to the intensity of kitchen life.”
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