SHE may be youngest finalist on MasterChef 2024, but Abi Kempley has certainly proved she’s got what it takes in the kitchen.
It will then be up to judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace to decide if she has done enough to be crowned their new winner.
Who is MasterChef 2024 finalist Abi Kempley?
Hailing from Yorkshire, Abi Kempley is the youngest contestant to make it to the final of MasterChef 2024.
Although she is 22 now, she was 21 at the time of filming.
The northern lass has revealed she developed a passion for cooking during lockdown when she was unable to visit restaurants.
Speaking to the BBC, the northern lass said: “I’m from Yorkshire and have two brothers, Ben and James, and my sister Ellie.
“I grew up in Harrogate, then moved to Thirsk at 15 and now live in the centre of Leeds.
“I’ve been cooking for around four years.
“My cooking was born out of frustration for not being able to spend time enjoying food at restaurants and food markets during lockdown 2020.”
What does MasterChef contestant Abi Kempley do for a living?
Abi works in the sales division at her family’s salad company.
Called Troy Foods Ltd, on LinkedIn they say: “We are a family owned business who manufactures dressed salads, mayonnaise and dressings, based in Yorkshire.
“We specialise in short shelf life, highly perishable products requiring extremely responsive and flexible manufacturing and delivery schedules to fulfil our customers’ requirements.”
On LinkedIn, the company sent their support as Abi started her MasterChef journey: “Wishing our colleague Abi best wishes and good luck on her MasterChef journey which started on Tuesday 16th April 2024.”
They then posted again during finals week saying: “Exciting times for our colleague Abi. FINALS WEEK on Masterchef.
“Wishing her every success in her continuing journey.
“Singapore last night [Monday, May 20, 2024] looked fabulous, tiring and a great learning experience for her!!!”
What has Abi Kempley said about MasterChef?
Abi revealed she had to take some persuading from her mum to get up the courage to apply for MasterChef.
She also said that the feedback she’d had from judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace had been positive.
Abi told the BBC: “My mum pushed me to enter and really believed in me.
“I was nervous to apply.
John and Gregg are great judges and I’ve appreciated any feedback – especially once the initial nerves wore off after the first few rounds!
Abi Kempley
“I knew that it could be a lot of pressure but I wanted to prove to myself that I was talented and it wasn’t family bias!
“John and Gregg are great judges and I’ve appreciated any feedback – especially once the initial nerves wore off after the first few rounds!”
Who are the MasterChef 2024 finalists?
Brin Pirathapan
Bristol man Brin Pirathapan is a veterinary surgeon who revealed his Sri Lankan roots have had a big influence on his cooking.
Speaking about this, the 28-year-old told the BBC: “Cooking Background: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.”
Talking about being on MasterChef, he said: “I’ve watched MasterChef for as long as I can remember.
“The show is one of the reasons I’m the cook I am today.”
Louise Lyons Macleod
Louise Lyons Macleod also thinks she has got what it takes to scoop the MasterChef crown.
The 44-year-old is a farmer by trade who grew up in Staffordshire.
Speaking about her cooking background, she said: “I’ve been cooking since I could walk!
“My mum would always get me involved in preparing the family meals.
“My father would take me fishing to catch our supper and would teach me to prepare and cook the fish.
“My granny was also a huge influence and would encourage me to help her in the kitchen.”
Chris Willoughby
Circus performer Chris Willoughby has impressed the judges so far on MasterChef.
The 44-year-old, who hails from Oxfordshire, revealed why he so interested in food, and said: “I’ve always been fascinated by cooking.
“It probably started from watching my grandma cook a great Sunday roast pork and being fascinated by how she would do it and make things taste so nice.
“I’m a firm believer in travelling and have been so lucky with my career to go to far-off places and explore food while I’m there.
“Naturally, I go find the best food and enjoy it – it’s more than a hobby, it’s an obsession!
“Growing up we reared our own pigs for meat, and we had chickens for eggs.”
How to watch MasterChef 2024
The finals week of MasterChef kicked off on May 20, 2024.
The show airs at 8pm over the next two nights BBC One, with the final episode being shown on May 22, 2024.
You can catch up on previous episodes on the BBC iPlayer.
There is no cash prize for the winner, but the champion gets to take home the coveted MasterChef trophy.
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.’