Final four - MasterChef: The Professionals 2018, Matthew Ryle

Tonight marks the beginning of finals week for MasterChef: The Professionals 2018 - find out more about head chef Matthew Ryle.

Name: Matthew Ryle

Region: London, originally from Reading 

Age: 23 at time of filming, now 24 

Profession: Head Chef

Cooking Background: "I went to Theale Green Community School in Reading, and it was there that I first became inspired by food during cookery classes and from cookery shows on TV. Further inspiration came when my Mum took me to a Michelin starred restaurant when I was 14. I then got a weekend job there and surrounded myself with great food. After this I went on to catering college at Bournemouth and Poole, Where I trained under a specialised chef’s scholarship, then afterwards broadened my training at The Dorchester in London.” 

Influences: “My family have been a great influence to me in terms of installing a strong work ethic from a young age. In terms of chefs, Marcus Wareing, Marco Pierre White, Gordon Ramsay to name just a few!”

Food Passions: “I’m passionate across all areas of the kitchen, I love creating, taking humble and simple ingredients, preparing them in a classical way, mixing them together and doing special things to them.”

On MasterChef: The Professionals: “I entered MasterChef: The Professionals because as a chef it’s something that is always lingering in the back of your mind. It came along at the right time in my career as I was starting feel like I wanted a new challenge, to enjoy the buzz of getting creative, and, fingers crossed getting good feedback!

“Getting to the finals is a massive achievement for me, a dream come true! It’s a show that I have followed for years and one where the competition seems to get tougher and tougher, this year is no exception. The competitors are so strong, to still be standing in The Final is such an achievement and a great confidence boost. 

“The whole experience has been incredible, I think the competition as a whole has been challenging – it’s incredibly hard to keep up with the fast pace whilst working, days off become competition days! Trying to juggle practicing, recipe writing, dish creation and work all at the same time was tough, but very rewarding!”

Cooking ambitions: “After the show, I’m working on doing great things! I’m currently planning my next move - I have my eyes set on having my own successful restaurant, books and some TV work – that’s the dream!”