May 19, 2024 – It’s finals week as the MasterChef anniversary celebrations continue, and two incredible challenges await our final four. They will have to give it their all, as at the end, John and Gregg will pick the three lucky cooks to move ahead to the grand final, where the 20th MasterChef champion will be chosen.

Watch finals week on iPlayer and BBC One from Monday 20 May.

Name:

Abi Kempley

Region:

Leeds, Yorkshire

Age:

22 (21 during filming)

Profession:

Sales for her family’s salad company

Personal:

Has been with boyfriend Eddie for seven years

Cooking Background:

“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. Lockdown gave me the opportunity and time to cook for my family and recreate what we could no longer go out to eat! It became a sort of routine. My mum is a great cook, my dad loves to BBQ, but my mum has always told me I got my cooking abilities from my nana, who was a natural. For a loved one or someone special I would cook my beef tataki – always a crowd pleaser.”

On MasterChef:

“My mum pushed me to enter and really believed in me. I was nervous to apply. 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! I truly can’t believe I’m through to the Finals. I’ve been working so hard for so long and it just feels like a sense of huge achievement and gratitude. John and Gregg are great judges and I’ve appreciated any feedback – especially once the initial nerves wore off after the first few rounds!”

Cooking Influences/Passions:

“Asian flavours are my forté, but I love French techniques and making fusion of the two. In my cooking, I usually get inspiration from a recipe and make it my own. I always find MOB Kitchen recipes to be a cracking start for comfort. MasterChef in general inspires me, and I’m sure many other young cooks and chefs, to get involved and push my own cooking abilities. All of my fellow contestants in the competition have given me the real inspiration to cook more elegant and challenging foods.”

Cooking Ambitions:

“My ambitions for cooking, and life in general, are to be able to continue to show my love through food – whatever form that may come in and opportunities may arise! It would be an absolute dream to cook (and eat!) in Japan – it’s my dream destination.”