A plasterer who is in the final of TV’s Masterchef competition has confessed his passion for food was inspired by his mum’s terrible cooking.
Tom Rennolds, 26, of Silsden, has beaten thousands of entrants from across the country to win one of 12 coveted places in the BBC1 contest.
He said: “My mum is a terrible cook. Just awful. When I was younger I did cook and learned through trial and error but it was when I was 16 or 17 that I really started to enjoy it.
“I love what you can create, even with a few ingredients. I find it very therapeutic. Obviously I love eating too but all the joy is in preparing it.”
Mr Rennolds lives with mum Hilary Cumbers, his stepdad Michael Cumbers and younger brother Callum Bradley in Browfield Terrace. He said he would never practice on his own family because he couldn’t take their criticism.
His unusual dishes have won praise from judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace.
The former Ilkley Grammar School pupil said: “I am experimental when it comes to cooking. I don’t stick to rules and often I will do things that might not have been done before.
“I don’t really have a particular hero. Anyone who works in the catering industry inspires me. I worked as a waiter at the Cow & Calf in Ilkley when I was in sixth form so I know how hard it is inside a kitchen.”
Tom’s mum, Hilary, said: “I think he started to cook in the first place because I didn’t cook.
“I make a really good Sunday dinner and very good Yorkshire puds but I’m afraid I don’t have the interest. But Tom tries out all his cooking at home and I think the best thing he has ever cooked me was some sirloin steak, which was beautiful.”
Mrs Cumbers said she was hidden “behind a cushion” watching his appearance on Masterchef. “I was so excited,” she said.
Mr Rennolds, who hopes to run his own restaurant one day, said he found appearing on the TV programme nerve wracking.”
When you are on the show it is intense” he said. “There have been a couple of dishes I have had to prepare that I have had a chance to practice beforehand. It could be something straight forward at home but when you get in the studio with all the cameras and lights, you make the stupidest mistakes. The first couple of times I was so nervous I couldn’t speak properly.”
Masterchef was filmed during the summer meaning Mr Rennolds already knows the outcome of the competition but he is forbidden from revealing the winner.
He said the experience had made him even more determined to pursue a career as a chef.
He said: “It is definitely something I want to go in to. I am hoping being on Masterchef will give me that opportunity. It is the best job interview you can have because you can show what you are capable of.”
During the next episode of Masterchef screened on BBC1 at 9pm on Tuesday, Mr Rennolds will be cooking a meal for previous Masterchef winners and entrants.
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