A KEEN cook from Herefordshire says he is excited for a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity as he takes part in the BBC's Young Masterchef.

Acting student Nathan Priday, 22, was born in Ludlow but grew up in Leintwardine, north of Leominster, where he lives with his mum.

Hereford Times: Nathan Priday, 22, is one of 15 young people taking part in the new series. Picture: BBC/Shine Ltd Nathan Priday, 22, is one of 15 young people taking part in the new series. Picture: BBC/Shine Ltd

He says his earliest cooking memory was with his grandparents, growing vegetables and then cooking with them.

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The series, which airs on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer in January 2023, will see Mr Priday battle it out with 14 other young chefs.

He said he was excited for the "once-in-a-life opportunity of appearing on the show, adding: "It's a dream come true.

"From watching MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals on TV in the comfort of my own home, to actually be standing in the MasterChef Kitchen and wearing the iconic MasterChef apron… it’s just an experience unlike no other and one I will cherish forever."

Mr Priday said his food dream was to set up a good business that fitted within the small rural area where he's from – a village which has a real sense of community.

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Describing his style of cooking, he said it was "quite traditional in many ways".

"I like taking classic dishes and then putting my own take on them," he said.

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"I like classic flavour combinations but then like to introduce different elements and techniques to try and help my food stand out.

"Essentially, I love good British ingredients cooked in an interesting way. I have grown up around lots of fresh produce so feel I have a solid understanding of flavours and traditional techniques to cook with.

Hereford Times: Young Masterchef can be watched on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer in January. Picture: BBC/Shine Ltd Young Masterchef can be watched on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer in January. Picture: BBC/Shine Ltd

"I also like to think I’m quite a calm and collected person so hopefully that will help me stand out."

He said his cooking idols included his beloved nan who taught him to bake and Jamie Oliver for his influence on healthy eating.

But he said he wanted to be like Heston Blumenthal and introduce unusual combinations and use "molecular gastronomy" in his dishes.