I began my career at a Wirral hotel - now I'm competing in Masterchef: The Professionals

A self-taught chef who began his career at a Wirral hotel is competing in the newest series of Masterchef: The Professionals.

The hit series returns tomorrow evening (Tuesday, February 10), with Terry Davies among the country’s most ambitious chefs setting their sights on becoming the 19th Champion.

Terry - who hails from Rock Ferry but now lives in York - will compete in the first heat, hoping to impress Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti and new judge Matt Tebbutt.

Head Chef at The Tickled Trout Inn in Bilton in Ainsty, Terry’s culinary career started at the Village Hotel in Bromborough.

The 38-year-old said he was inspired by the hotel’s Head Chef, who encouraged him to try his first ever Beef Wellington. “That experience sparked my curiosity, and I went on to try making it myself,” Terry said.

“It made me realise how changing just one ingredient in a dish can completely transform the flavour, and that creativity and experimentation are what make cooking so exciting.”

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A major highlight of his career so far has been working with and learning from James Martin at the Talbot Hotel in Malton. He described it as “an experience that had a lasting impact on my confidence and development as a chef”.

Terry said Masterchef: The Professionals is “completely out of my comfort zone” but said now is the “right time” to test himself, after getting married and becoming a father.

You can watch Terry test his culinary skills at 8.00pm on February 10, on BBC One.