Who is chef Cristina MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 contestant?

We find out more about the next batch of chefs set to take to our screens when MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 continues this week, next airing on Monday, November 11 at 9pm.

Introducing Cristina, chef de partie at Fenchurch Restaurant at Sky Garden.

Rome-born Cristina began as a pizza chef before landing jobs in a string of restaurants across London.

NAME

Cristina

AGE

22

WHERE ARE YOU FROM/WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

Cristina was born and raised in Rome, Italy. She moved to Nigeria when she was six then back to Italy for five years before coming to the UK in 2020 and started her cooking career in Manchester. She now lives in London, with her family back in Italy.

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Cristina’s first job in a kitchen was working as a pizza chef. She then went on to work at various kitchens in Manchester, including San Carlo and Gusto. In 2022 she moved to London, where she worked at Bancone, Smiths of Smithfield and City Social. She now works in Fenchurch Restaurant at Sky Garden.

WHO AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A CHEF?

“My mum used to help the cooks at my school when I was growing up. As the eldest child, I cooked for my sisters when my mum was at work, so I got to learn about and make food from a young age. My sisters would always finish up their plates and tell me they loved my cooking. We often watched MasterChef Italy together.

“My mum always knew I had a passion for food but unfortunately she wasn’t earning enough to put me through culinary school. I couldn’t train classically, but I’ve learnt what I can from the places and people I have worked with. Food has always been very big part of my life, so being a chef is a natural fit.”

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

“Fine food, creating art and not just dumping food on a plate! Respect, love and dedication goes to every plate. I’m always trying new ingredients and after I first got myself into fine dining cuisine I never left it. But I’m open to all styles. There’s always space to learn, but my main focus is on haute cuisine.”

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

“Growing up, after school I’d never miss the Italian MasterChef. I was curious and so invested in the competition. I never went to a culinary school but it was always a passion of mine to find random stuff in the kitchen and cook for my sisters and plate it up like on MasterChef. The opportunity to be able to present a plate to the judges will be a dream come true for me - and family - they have always been my number one fans.”

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“Food and music are my passions. I love DJing for people at parties and events and the buzz that playing music gives me. It’s like working in a kitchen - it’s the adrenaline. I also model and play volleyball on my free time.”