Who is chef Giovann Attard MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 contestant?

Ahead of MasterChef: The Professionals 2023, which airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from Monday 23 October, we find out more about the chefs taking part.

Introducing Giovann Attard, Executive Head Chef, London.

Executive Head Chef, Giovann, 33, was born in Malta and moved to the UK 11 years ago.

He now works in a Sicilian-inspired restaurant in central London and lives nearby with his girlfriend Siria and their two pet rabbits.

Name

Giovann

AGE

33

Where are you from/where do you live

Greenwich, London, originally from Malta.

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Before to moving to the UK Giovann completed a four-year course in culinary arts in Malta while working at a five-star hotel on placement.

He then went on to work at The Stafford London, One&Only the Palm, in Dubai and now works at Norma in London.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO COOKING AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?

“I grew up watching my mum and my grandma cook. Without them knowing, I picked up loads by trying to get my hands in every dough bowl and just watching my grandma twisting and turning her hands while she was making ravioli. Their cooking still inspires me today and I love bringing that to my menus . I grew up surrounded by fresh produce, as my dad is a farmer, so fresh food and cooking has always been a huge part of my life.”

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

“I’d say as a whole my food is Mediterranean-inspired, using a variety of both British and Italian ingredients. The greatest thing about being a chef is that it's never boring. You are always in search of creating something new according to that season or occasion. I love the creativity of it.”

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

“I believe that MasterChef: The Professionals can push my culinary boundaries and offer me the opportunity to express myself and show what inspires me. I hope that I can learn more and share my passion for good produce and food. I have always enjoyed the pressure of a busy kitchen running at full steam when the covers are piling in and the kitchen is running like a well-oiled machine. I want to show what I can do in a different and challenging environment and I hope that this experience can grow my ability to handle those different pressures.”

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“Running is one of my hobbies. I have completed four marathons so far and regularly take part in running 10Ks and half marathons to raise money for charity. I enjoy gardening too. In my flat in London I have an extensive herb garden, and use it in all of my cooking at home. I enjoy hosting dinner parties for friends, which means cooking a big meal to share, with lots of negronis involved!”