A Cumbrian dad is set to show off his cooking skills on MasterChef UK.
Tom Johnston, 42, of Carlisle, is a sales manager in the car industry and moved to the city in 2010, where he lives with his wife and three daughters.
The foodie has been a long-time fan of the BBC TV show and decided to apply after spending years wanting to be part of the action.
He said: “Every year I say to my wife ‘I’d love to be on that show.’ Last year I finally decided to put in an application thinking nothing would come of it – and look at me now!
“Me and my family have watched MasterChef since the very beginning and look forward to the new series every year, so it’s amazing to see it still going so strong. John and Gregg have become a regular fixture on our TV for the past 20 years!
“The standard of cooking gets better each time and it’s amazing to see how many contestants have gone on to do such exciting things following their time on the show. I can only hope to be as lucky!”
Tom describes his style of cooking as having a focus on home and said that some of his earliest memories of cooking involve his mum.
He added: “I love home-cooked British food, using locally sourced produce, that the family can sit down together and enjoy. Cooking meals that my family love means everything. I love getting my kids involved in the kitchen.
“My mum’s favourite room in the house was also the kitchen. She was always baking and I can still remember the amazing smells so clearly.
“Having lost her six months ago, those memories are something I will really carry with me throughout the competition.”
Some of Tom’s biggest cooking inspirations include Tom Kitchin, James Martin and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall – and the 42-year-old also said he has dreams of turning his love for cooking into something more.
He said: “I would absolutely love to do some private dining experiences or supper clubs, especially around Cumbria and Scotland.
“The ultimate dream is to be able to turn my passion into something that works around my family life.”
Judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace are looking for the UK’s best amateur cook and Tom is set to appear on week three of the show as part of heat six.
You can watch the sixth heat on BBC iPlayer from Thursday April 18 onwards and on BBC One from 8pm on April 18.
