Mirel, 34 is a hairdresser. Originally from Romania he now lives in North West London with his dog Pixie.

How would you describe your style of cooking?

“I would describe my cooking style as ‘Modern Vegan’ I’ve been a Vegan for over 12 years now so been exploring cooking vegan food for over a decade. My moto is “cook smart not hard” and my food is always inspired by the produce it is centred around. I start creating dishes around one ingredient and build it up from that, keeping that ingredient the star of the dish. I love keeping an eye on high end chefs and the vegan food they are creating, especially Alexis Gautier.”

What is your earliest cooking memory?

“My earliest cooking memory comes from my childhood when I was peeling potatoes for Sunday lunch alongside my mother and youngest brother back in Romania. My love of cooking definitely started young and I thank my mother for that.”

Why did you enter MasterChef?

“I am artistic person and food is another way to express my creativity. I have enormous passion for cooking, combining flavours and creating unique dishes I never experienced before. I also have a competitive streak in me, so watch out.”

What is your food dream?

“During lockdown I started doing online cooking videos to raise money for a charity close to my heart, I love to pick this up again and maybe even hold vegan supper clubs. A big dream is to have my own vegan cooking show and share my recipes with more people, inspiring vegans but also non-vegans to give plant based cooking a try.”