Who is chef Morteza Nouri on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?

MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 continues on BBC One this week, and private chef Morteza Nouri is one of the six chefs fighting for a place in the next round in the second heat.

The 31-year-old, who lives in London with his wife and daughter, faces Ben Black, Clara Lim, Filomena "Philly" D'Uva, Gregory Schaad-Jackson and Ibraheem "Ibz" Umar in the second group of this year's MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 series, which features 24 chefs competing in groups of six.

Age at start of filming

31

Job role

Private chef

Chef background

Morteza is a self-taught chef. His first job was at Indigo Restaurant, a family-run Indian restaurant in Wolverhampton, and he now works as a private chef for a client in Mayfair.

On his career highlights so far, he said: "I progressed from washing pots to helping lead a Michelin-star kitchen in six years."

Who or what inspired you to become a chef?

"Growing up watching my grandmother cook and the love and understanding she had for good food. I remember her never following a recipe, she just winged it and tasted along the way.

"Not to mention, she taught my auntie and late mother how to cook and they ended up better than her!"

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

"I wouldn't say I really have a style; I love to make and eat food that nourishes the body and soul. Using ingredients with medicinal benefits and having a great balance of cooked and raw foods, mix of vegetables, beans and pulses etc.

"Conscious eating is a huge thing for me as food is quite literally the building blocks for our body and the fuel for our brain and second brain, the gut."

Three ingredients you can't live without?

"Garlic, organic cultured butter and tomatoes."

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What do you eat when you get back from service?

"I tend not to eat after work as it's usually too late. If at work then whatever food is around and a big plate of salad."

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

"I wanted to test my ability under the pressure of the competition without practice. My goal was to see how far I have come and see how much more I can improve.

"It's very easy to be a critic and judge watching the screen from your sofa but to make the decision to challenge yourself is another ball game."

Outside of cooking, what are your passions?

"Leadership, coaching, self-improvement. I love to spend time with loved ones and play games."

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