An Apperley Bridge resident who took part in MasterChef UK has spoken about the experience as thoroughly enjoyable, despite being eliminated during the initial round.

Matt Livesey, aged 41, has revealed he never anticipated advancing far in the competition, confessing he entered the process purely as an entertaining diversion.

The former contestant explained to the Telegraph and Argus that his enthusiasm for cooking developed only recently, emerging during the coronavirus pandemic.

He revealed that his childhood diet was far from adventurous, consisting solely of fish fingers and chips throughout his younger years.

According to Mr Livesey, the pandemic period provided him with additional spare time, prompting him to acquire new culinary skills. His interest rapidly intensified as he began exploring international cuisines, different food cultures and various cooking methods, eventually transforming into what he describes as a full-blown passion.

Despite his evident dedication to the craft, Mr Livesey maintained that applying for MasterChef was never intended as a career move.

He stated that working professionally in the food industry holds no appeal for him, viewing his participation instead as an enjoyable challenge and an item to cross off his personal aspirations.

Recalling the television production, Mr Livesey acknowledged that competing proved considerably more demanding than viewers might assume from watching the broadcast version.

He described the experience as being completely unfamiliar territory, lacking access to personal equipment and receiving no instruction, with timing pressures beginning immediately. He noted that contestants rarely get opportunities to demonstrate their full capabilities unless they progress further through the competition, which he found disappointing, though the overall adventure remained thoroughly pleasurable.

At home, Mr Livesey expressed a preference for culinary pursuits that combine organisation, equilibrium and creative expression.

He enjoys preparing sweets, loaves and flatbreads where measurements allow accuracy while still permitting artistic interpretation. Each weekend he fires up an outdoor oven for homemade pizzas, bakes bread whenever feasible and creates puddings to distribute among school staff members.

Reflecting on his television appearance, Mr Livesey expressed contentment with his decision to participate.

He characterised the entire journey from application through filming as overwhelmingly positive, encompassing meeting fellow competitors and every other aspect of the process. He maintained he harbours absolutely no reservations about taking part, viewing it as a distinctive experience he feels fortunate to have undertaken.