John, is a painter and decorator from Bristol. Born and bred in the area he now lives with his partner and their four girls.

How would you describe your style of cooking?

“Since my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, I have had to entirely rethink my cooking. I am now championing low carb, refined sugar free cooking for her (aged nine) and also for my three other daughters (step daughters who are 10 & 13, biological daughter aged seven) but ensuring it is still playful, creative, and ultimately, delicious.”

“My food hero is the brilliant Jamie Oliver, I am especially inspired by his dedication to reducing sugar and high processed foods in schools, teaching a nation to cook on a budget and sharing his culinary skills in such a kind and inviting way. My dream would be to work alongside him in some shape or form!”

What is your earliest memory?

“As the seventh boy of eight to a single mother, I was the nominated head cook and pot wash of the family. I learnt how to cook by watching the telly! Saturday Kitchen, Angela Hartnett, Rick Stein, all their programmes inspired my cooking. I’d sit there for hours salivating over their dishes and longing for a day when I had my own kitchen, and some spare pennies to buy stuff!”

Why did you enter MasterChef?

“I have always wanted to compete on MasterChef to prove to myself that I do have the ability to cook at a reasonably high level. As someone who hasn’t completed education, due to a complicated childhood. I have craved a professional setting to gain some guidance. The words of wisdom from John, Gregg and the guest judges are what I am searching for.”

What is your food dream?

“My aim has always been to write a low carb, refined sugar free cookbook with my partner. I have my first book already mapped out and hope it will be the first of many.”

“I’d love to work with chefs within the industry to develop alternative products to the highly processed supermarket puddings. Seeing my low carb, refined sugar free custard tart on the shelves of a supermarket would be beyond incredible!”