In a thrilling development for food enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs, Young MasterChef is back for a highly anticipated second series on BBC Three. Nine of Britain’s most talented young cooks are ready to showcase their culinary prowess as they temporarily set aside their day jobs to compete in this exciting competition. The stakes are high, the competition is fierce, and the kitchen is sizzling with talent as these aspiring chefs vie for the coveted title.
Judging their every move are two distinguished culinary experts, Poppy O’Toole, a Michelin-trained social media sensation, and the newly introduced judge, chef, author, and YouTube food star, Big Has. With the UK’s food revolution gaining momentum, these young foodies are at the forefront, revolutionizing street food, pop-ups, and making waves in the world of social media. Now, they’re taking their culinary journey to the next level as they enter the prestigious MasterChef kitchen, ready to dazzle viewers in 2024.
Big Has, the fresh addition to the judging panel, expressed his excitement about being part of such a prestigious show. He commended the contestants for their eagerness to learn and their ability to showcase their unique backgrounds through their cooking. Having previously been a guest on the last series, Big Has is thrilled to officially join the MasterChef family, feeling honoured that the producers appreciated his distinctive style and expertise.
The filming of the series initially brought some nerves for Big Has, but he soon found himself embraced by the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by Poppy O’Toole and the rest of the team. The studio felt like the first day of school, where he had to navigate the dynamics and learn the ropes behind the scenes. The overall vibe was incredible, and Big Has praised the unsung heroes behind the show for their dedication and camaraderie.
Collaborating with Poppy O’Toole as a co-judge has been a delightful experience for Big Has. He lauded Poppy for her kindness and deemed her one of the nicest people he’s ever worked with. They connected over shared experiences in the kitchens they’ve worked in and bonded over friendly banter. Big Has couldn’t have asked for a better co-host, as Poppy took him under her wing, guiding him through the intricacies of the MasterChef world. He regards Poppy as a genuine culinary expert.
When asked about his judging style, Big Has aims to be the fun uncle rather than a strict critic. He wants to encourage the contestants in their culinary journey and ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. While it’s a competition, Big Has recognizes that each contestant’s passion deserves respect, and he hopes to see them flourish.
Having started his culinary journey at a young age, Big Has resonates with the contestants, many of whom are even younger than he was when he first entered the world of cooking. He’s impressed by their understanding of ingredients, their storytelling through food, and their willingness to share cherished family moments on television. Big Has admits that he’s learned a lot from the contestants and their fresh perspectives.
Big Has emphasizes the importance of competitions like Young MasterChef and training programs within the culinary industry for young people. He hopes that shows like Young MasterChef will inspire the younger generation to explore the culinary arts and believes that providing secondary schools with the tools to teach real-life skills, such as cooking, is essential for the future.
For young and aspiring chefs, Big Has underscores the significance of sacrifice and dedication. He encourages them to put food and work at the forefront, pursue formal education, apprenticeships, and gain work experience in reputable kitchens. Building a strong foundation and mastering the fundamentals are crucial for success in the culinary industry.
When selecting a winner, Big Has looks for individuals with drive, ambition, and resilience. He values the ability to bounce back from mistakes and learn from them without feeling defeated.
In a Q&A session with Poppy O’Toole, she expressed her enthusiasm about returning to the MasterChef kitchen as a judge and host. She feels privileged to be part of the show once again and is eager to work alongside Big Has. Poppy is excited to witness the young talent on display and can’t wait for viewers to be captivated by their culinary skills.
Poppy acknowledges the increasing influence of social media in showcasing new recipes and cuisines to a mainstream audience. With her background in social media, she believes it is important for both budding and established chefs to have a presence on social media platforms. This allows them to stay updated with trends, showcase their skills, gain inspiration, and build confidence in their culinary abilities.
Working with Big Has has been an amazing experience for Poppy. She describes him as genuinely hilarious and easy to get along with. His opinion carries significant weight for the contestants, and his expertise as a chef has taught her new things as well.
Filming this series has been a wild ride for Poppy. She hinted at different challenges and working in unique settings outside the MasterChef kitchen, adding an exciting element to the show.
Poppy stresses the importance of platforms like Young MasterChef in highlighting new and upcoming talent in the food industry. Such competitions provide exposure and help aspiring chefs discover their future career paths, whether it’s in social media, professional kitchens, or food product development.
When it comes to choosing a winner, Poppy looks for growth, adaptability, passion, and the willingness to be adventurous with different cuisines and food pairings. Confidence is also crucial, and Poppy aims to uplift the contestants, even in the difficult task of sending someone home.
Both Poppy and Big Has are easy-going judges who know what they’re looking for
