50 year old Richard, works as a painter and decorator and lives in Redditch with his wife.

How would you describe your style of cooking?

“I like the A La Carte style of cooking, I like my food to look as good as it tastes. Good presentation. I’m not afraid to have a go at any style of cooking, if I like the look of a dish then I will give it a go and try to recreate it at home.”

What is your earliest cooking memory?

“My earliest memory of cooking was having to start the evening meal when I got home from school around the age of 10. We were a single parent family, my mum would still be at work, so to help out I would start dinner.”

Why did you enter MasterChef?

“I entered MasterChef because all my family and friends kept saying I was good enough! They kept telling me that the food I cook was just as good, so I thought why not give it a go. If I could turn my hobby into a more than that at my age it’s worth a good go.”

What is your food dream?

“My food dream would be to own and run a little fine dining Bistro on the coast somewhere with my wife, delivering the complete dining experience from start to finish. A fabulous ambience, amazing food and great wine.”