Who is chef Dani Heron MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 contestant?

Here is a closer look at the contestants taking to our screens on MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 on Tuesday, November 12 at 9pm.

Introducing Dani Heron, chef patron of OSMA near Manchester.

Dani has been a chef for 13 years and runs her own Scandinavian-inspired restaurant, which features in the Michelin Guide.

NAME

Dani Heron

AGE

32

WHERE ARE YOU FROM/WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

Dani was born and raised in Manchester, but has worked both in the UK and abroad. She now lives back in Manchester with her partner Sofie.

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Dani completed her NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery at Manchester College. She then went on to be commis chef at two Michelin-starred L’Enclume, working there for two years. For the next five years she spread her wings in Oslo, working for three Michelin-starred restaurant, Maaemo, and also Piscoteket. In 2020 she returned to the UK and set up on her own restaurant, OSMA with her partner Sofie.

WHO AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A CHEF?

“My nana inspired me the most and still does. I always loved cooking and eating good food at a young age. It was when we watched cooking shows together that I realised I wanted to do it professionally. I started out cooking with my nana, baking cakes and helping with dinner. I watched every cooking programme I possibly could, until I reached the age where I could do it myself. I then studied at Manchester College, entered and won a few cooking competitions and pushed myself to absorb as much knowledge as possible.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF COOKING AND ANY INFLUENCES ON IT?

“In my cooking, I take influences from all of the world to create something fresh, simple and well-executed.”

WHY DID YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS?

“I would love the opportunity to push myself and my career further in the culinary world. To learn more and cook for some inspiring chefs would be an amazing experience. I’ve worked for myself for the last four years, so this is a chance to get back and absorb from others too, that’s how you grow.”

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“To be honest food and travelling are my only hobbies!”