A CULINARY whizz from Dorset is among the hopefuls in TV cooking contest Masterchef: The Professionals.
Charlie Jeffreys is among those battling it out to be crowned the winner of this year’s series, which got under way on BBC One earlier this month.
The 24-year-old is senior chef de partie at the prestigious, three Michelin-starred Alain Dicasse restaurant at The Dorchester in London.
But before making his way amid the bright lights of the capital city, Charlie cut his teeth here in Dorset.
And the glamour of the TV studio will be a long way from his humble beginnings, as a pot washer at the Yalbury Cottage Hotel at the age of just 14.

A spokesperson for the hotel, near Dorchester, said they “couldn’t be more proud” of their former apprentice.
“Please join the whole Yalbury Cottage team in supporting Charlie and cheering him on as he takes on this mammoth challenge,” they added.
The show, which sees professional chefs go head-to-head over six gruelling weeks of competition, is set to be the latest challenge for Charlie.

Judge on the show, top chef Marcus Wareing, said contestants should be prepared for a stern test.
“The hunt for the 2022 champion is on and we’re ready to push these chefs as far as they can go,” he said.
“The sky’s the limit as far as I’m concerned and that trophy is just waiting to be claimed.”
And host Gregg Wallace said he was excited ahead of the new competition.
“What a thrill to get these kitchen doors open again and welcome a new generation of professional contenders,” he said. “I’m ready to be dazzled and ultimately reveal the next incredible cooking talent.”
Masterchef: The Professionals is on BBC One on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings.