There are two North East based contestants on the brand-new season of MasterChef which aired this week - but one of them had a bit of a false start, leaving him in tears over critique received and subsequently out of the competition.
The BBC show, hosted by judges John Torode and Greg Wallace sees a number of chefs cook up some of the toughest dishes in strict and stringent challenges week in, week out.
The new format sees 45 chefs overall competing over five heats before finalists for the competition are decided upon.
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And week 1's heat saw two North East contestants give it their all, hoping for a place in the main competition itself. 31-year-old delivery driver Nickolas lives with his partner and five year old daughter in Darlington. Initially born in Venezuela, Nickolas was raised in Camden Town before eventually relocating to the North East.
Speaking on why he entered the competition ahead of the heat, he said: "My best friend passed away suddenly in an accident two years ago, I became very close to his brother Darren who is a massive MasterChef fan. He’d always known about my passion for cooking and thought I had the skills from seeing all the pictures I post of my food on social media so he sent me the link to apply.
"The rest as they say ‘is history’.”
Describing his cooking style, the added: "I love championing Latin flavours from all over South America. Sharing the dishes from my heritage with others especially my daughter is special. I love the punchiness of Venezuelan food but I also have an adoration of French classics and techniques. In many ways my food is a mixture of all of these things.”
In the first heat, Nickolas firstly wowed the judges with his roasted Venezuelan chicken cooked in a chilli tomato sauce, as well as his later pan fried prawns in a rich bisque. John praised the chef for his food refinement, while Greg complemented his flavours.
And when it was all said and done, Nickolas was invited back for the next round of the show - snapping up the fourth and final apron much to his delight. Speaking to the cameras after the verdict, he said: "I can't believe it! Getting the actual apron like, it means that I'm good enough.
"I just need to really perfect everything, no mistakes."
In the second episode, Nickolas would once again wow the judges with his turbot, red mullet and langoustines - making his way to the quarter finals.
Entering elsewhere in the competition was 31-year-old Jonny, who is initially from County Durham but now lives in Hebburn. Speaking on why he entered MasterChef, he said: “To push myself to the next level and to be inspired by all of the amazing people I’d hopefully meet along the way.
"I’m a lifelong fan of the show and it’s always been a life goal to go on and cook in that kitchen.”
He added: "“My dream is to open a food truck, with a bit of a social heart. I’d cook the tastiest food you’ve ever had in your hands, but also you’d be able to pay for someone who maybe can’t afford a treat to eat too. I’d also look to work with the homeless charities and other small businesses in areas that need a bit more support.”
However, Jonny found himself set-back by the judges at the starting hurdle. Firstly, he was left in tatters after his initial lime and spring onion buttered chicken came out undercooked in certain sections. The breast was edible however, and Jonny was subsequently praised on his accompaniments.
And although his flavours were enough to get him through the first heat, the second episode of the new show would see him leave the competition. His pork belly tacos were lambasted by Torode, after Jonny left the hairy skin on the meat.
The judge said: "If you're going to keep the skin on, I don't want the hairs left on my pork."
Greg on the other hand, blasted Jonny for his time management. He said: "You ran out of time because it does look - as it is - chucked on at the end."
Jonny could be seen welling up on screen, before starting to cry with disappointment. Speaking to the camera, he said: "It didn't taste how I wanted it to taste, it didn't look how I wanted it to look. Honestly, I am so disappointed in myself. Like so disappointed."
And Jonny's botched pork tacos were the swan song to his MasterChef journey. Speaking after being voted off by judges, he said: "Just wasn't meant to be, you know. The dream doesn't die just because I haven't went on and won this. It still re-affirms this; that some of the ideas I've got are good and there are plenty of good things to work from."
MasterChef continues at 8.30pm this evening on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer.
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