MASTERCHEF has unveiled the finalists hoping to be crowned champion.
Meet vet Brin Pirathapan, who has impressed judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace, securing a place in the final.
Who is MasterChef 2024 finalist, Brin Pirathapan?
Brin Pirathapan has continuously wowed the judges with his incredible dishes.
He is due to get married this summer to fiancee Anna, who he calls his biggest fan.
He told the elite guests at the MasterChef 20th anniversary banquet in the semi-final: “It was the biggest honour to cook for you guys.
“I’m getting married and I don’t think it’s going to be as big as today!”
Where is Brin Pirathapan from?
The 29-year-old grew up in Essex.
He then moved to Bristol to study veterinary science at university.
His parents were brought up in Sri Lanka.
What is Brin Pirathapan’s cooking background?
While studying to become a vet, he also discovered a love of cooking.
He explained: “My student budget didn’t allow for fancy food, so I wanted to learn to make delicious meals myself without breaking the bank.
“That’s when I realised I had a passion for cooking, not just eating!
Brin added: “Cooking definitely runs in my family.
“My parents grew up in Sri Lanka and are great cooks, so I’ve been lucky enough to be treated to amazing Tamil Sri Lankan flavours throughout my life.
“This gave both my brother and I a passion for flavour.”
What has Brin Pirathapan said about MasterChef?
Brin said that he has watched MasterChef for as long as he can remember.
He praised the show and explained that it is one of the reasons he is the cook he is today.
He added that his fiancee Anna, who’s his biggest fan, really pushed him to apply.
And in 2024 he finally felt good enough and decided to pluck up the courage and apply.
When the judges announced that I’d got into the finals I was absolutely elated”
Brin
Brin said: “As daunting as it was, I was so proud of myself for getting to semi finals stage that it really gave me boost in the last round to cook my heart out and give myself the best chance of being a finalist.
“When the judges announced that I’d got into the finals I was absolutely elated.
“I’ve loved cooking for John and Gregg but it’s been absolutely nerve racking and waiting for their feedback during tastings feels like an eternity!
“They are such a pleasure to cook for.”.
What type of food does MasterChef contestant Brin enjoy cooking?
Brin said he loves cooking an amalgamation of his Tamil Sri Lankan heritage and my British upbringing.
He enjoys his dishes to have bold flavours but refining them to high standards with European techniques.
Brin explained: “I like to pull flavour combinations from all over the world and create balanced dishes.”
Who else is a MasterChef 2024 finalist?
Chris Willoughby
Chris Willoughby is a circus performer from Oxfordshire.
Food has always been a big part of his life as his job has allowed him to travel, meaning he has been able to sample dishes from across the world.
He said: “My passion for cooking really blossomed with travelling and getting my hands on Asian ingredients.
“During lockdown I also became very focused on food.
“All of my performing work was cancelled and I was left with time to think and eat!”
Louise Lyons Macleod
Louise is originally from Exmoor National Park but grew up in Staffordshire.
She has used her usual job as a farmer to try to be sustainable and incorporate this into her cooking.
Talking about farming, Louise said: “I now run a 25-acre farm.
“I specialise in breeding and rearing native rare breed animals and have breeding programmes in place for pigs, sheep, goats and various poultry.
“As much as possible, I try to be sustainable and follow regenerative agriculture principles, allowing the animals to range freely and live in herds as naturally as possible for the benefit of the land.”
Abi Kempley
Abigail is 21 years old and from Harrogate.
She began cooking during lockdown after growing frustrated by not being able to go to restaurants and food markets.
Her strengths when it comes to cooking are Asian flavours and French techniques.
She was nervous to apply for the show, but her mum pushed her to give it a go by believing in her.
She admitted: “I truly can’t believe I’m through to the Finals. I’ve been working so hard for so long and it just feels like a sense of huge achievement and gratitude.”
MasterChef
MasterChef facts
MASTERCHEF has been a staple BBC series for years - but what are the key details?
- MasterChef launched on BBC One back in 1990
- It ran until 2001, then was revived in 2005 as MasterChef Goes Large
- John Torode joined the revamped series in 2005, where he teamed up with Gregg Wallace as hosts
- Controversial moments? In March 2018, Gregg refused to judge Zaleha Kadir Olpin’s stewed chicken rendang dish as he claimed it was ‘not crispy enough and could not be eaten.’