Leeds chef to appear on MasterChef: The Professionals this week

Dale Spink will be aiming to impress culinary legends Marcus Wearing and Monica Galetti, as well as new judge Matt Talbot on the BBC cooking competition. His episode is set to air on Wednesday (February 18) night - but eager viewers can already catch it on iPlayer.

The Farsley resident, 29, set his sights on opening a restaurant of his own when he was just 13 years old. He previously ran Brontae’s in Horsforth and then worked at Cafe Deli Margaux.

Dale, a father of three, now works as a private chef. He explained: “My private dining experiences have been some of my biggest highlights—we’ve elevated in every aspect, and the magic that happens at each experience is breathtaking.

“During filming, I was running Le Voyage Dining Experience and Café Deli Margaux. We built a commercial kitchen at home for Le Voyage, and I also work with Thomas Franks catering.”

Part of a line-up of four professional chefs, Dale faces a skills test set by former finalist Philli Armitage-Mattin involving stuffing chicken wings. He then has a chance to serve up one of his signature dishes - with a spot in the quarter-final on the line.

Talking about appearing on MasterChef, he said: “I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone. I wanted to show my kids that their dad has put a lot into his career and has never given up—and I want them to live by that example.”

Dale added: “I love taking traditional flavours and combinations and adding a modern twist that brings back nostalgia. I’m not scared to create new dishes and push myself creatively.”

A former Leeds United academy player, he has carved out a successful career in the kitchen after discovering a natural talent for cooking during work experience. He explained: “I had to prepare my own tea because my mum was childminding, so I’d eat before heading to training at 5:30pm.

“Then at 13, work experience gave me the real chef bug when I worked a full busy Saturday service in an old-school kitchen. I got the bug instantly, and the rest is history.”

After a long day in the kitchen, Dale enjoys tucking into a “cheeky takeaway curry or beans on toast”. He also describes dinner time as his “favourite time of the week” and adds: “no phones, full focus on us as a family.”

Dale will appear on MasterChef: The Professionals on Wednesday night. The episode will be broadcast on BBC One at 8pm - and is also available to watch on iPlayer.