Graduate runner up in Masterchef UK

Jack, who graduated last summer, made his way through every round of the eight-week competition to meet fellow amateur chefs Ping Coombes and Luke Owen in the final. In the last challenge the trio had to cook a three course meal in three hours for judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace. Jack and Luke were pipped to the winner’s post by Ping.

Jack tweeted afterwards: “Could not think of a more worthy winner than @WanPingCoombes. She absolutely smashed it and was unbelievably consistent! Delighted for you!”

Professor Dan Charman, Dean of the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, who supervised Jack’s dissertation said: “We are absolutely delighted to see one of our students go on so rapidly to such a great achievement.

 “Jack did some excellent work in the laboratory during his Geography degree, so perhaps that helped hone his skills in the kitchen too! Coming runner up in Masterchef is a superb achievement and we wish Jack every success in his future career.”

During the final week of the competition, the contenders had to cook a four course menu, designed by the two Michelin starred chef Tom Kerridge, for some of the country’s finest chefs:  Ashley Palmer-Watts, Devon-based Michael Caines, Nathan Outlaw, Simon Rogan and Tom Kitchin, who have nine Michelin stars between them.