‘Changed my life’ - Dan Merriman wins MasterChef: The Professionals 2024

Dan Merriman has been crowned champion of MasterChef: The Professionals 2024.

Dan, 29, saw off the competition of 31 other chefs across the series, outcooking fellow finalists Chiara Tomasoni and George Birtwell to take the trophy.

Reacting to his win, Dan said: “To walk away as MasterChef champion, it means the world to me.

“There’s not been that many times where I’ve been proud of myself in my life, but I’ve hit the pinnacle! This whole competition has changed my life. I’m forever grateful.”

Dan’s winning menu started with a barbecued scallop dish, followed by ex-dairy beef cooked in beef fat and smoked butter, before a blackcurrant cassis mousse to finish.

Having eaten Dan’s dishes, judge Monica Galetti said: “You’ve been one of the most humble chefs I’ve seen walk in here – very reserved, quite unsure where he stood – maybe not just in the kitchen, in the world. I almost feel like this has been a bit of a haven for you to rediscover your love for your craft and for yourself. Take my word for it, we see something great in you.”

Dan, originally from Droitwich in Worcestershire, is the eldest of five brothers and now lives in Accrington, Lancashire, with his partner Chloe and baby boy Ernest.

Discussing his route into hospitality, Dan said: “Mum was a single parent, and we didn’t have a lot but we all loved each other.

“I didn’t really go to school that much but needed a job, so I got a pot wash job at a local hotel, and they offered me the chance to start working in pastry and I fell in love with fine dining.

“The one thing about hospitality is that you can come from absolutely nothing. You can really make yourself something. All you need is hard work and love.”

Going through difficult times and family losses had led to a lack of self-confidence for Dan, but with encouragement from Chloe he applied to MasterChef: The Professionals.

“I definitely wouldn't have done it without them,” said Dan.

“All of this has surpassed absolutely every single expectation that I ever had. I didn't even expect to get into the competition, let alone win. MasterChef has changed everything for me. It’s made me realise that I am talented. I am good at what I do.”

Dan’s previous experience as a chef for 12 years has seen him work at Michelin-starred Plas Bodegroes, AA three rosette Cottage in the Wood, Fishmore Hall in Ludlow, Northcote Manor, and most recently as senior sous chef at The Black Bull Inn. 

During the final week on MasterChef, Dan was part of the Chef’s Table challenge in the Michelin-starred Dining Room restaurant of The Goring Hotel, cooking for 24 culinary giants with 27 Michelin stars between them.

The finalists then headed off to Ireland, enjoying a masterclass from Ahmet Dede, of two Michelin-starred Turkish restaurant Dede.

Judge Marcus Wareing said: “We have a star. I see Dan’s cookery as fine dining at its very, very best. His food is precise, technical, it’s incredibly creative. I think it’s outstanding. This guy is shining. I can’t wait to see what this chef is going to do in the future.”

Monica added: “I don’t think Dan realises how good he is. The kind of cooking he’s been doing takes years to get right.”

Looking ahead to life after MasterChef, Dan says: “At the moment I’m working on getting guest chef appearances and intimate dining experiences.

“My ultimate ambition is to have free reign to cook all my own food and share it with as many people possible. I want to cook in my own restaurant and make a big impact on the industry. I love what I do, and I want my food to be remembered.” 

Dan becomes the 18th person to lift the Professional MasterChef trophy, following in the footsteps of Derek Johnstone, Steve Groves, Claire Lara, Ash Mair, joint winners Keri Moss and Anton Piotrowski, Steven Edwards, Jamie Scott, Mark Stinchcombe, Gary Maclean, Craig Johnston, Laurence Henry, Stu Deeley, Alex Webb, Dan Lee, Nikita Pathakji and last year’s winner, Tom Hamblet.