Haydn Payne Biography – Haydn Payne Wiki

Haydn Payne, an accomplished English chef, is making waves as a contestant on the 2026 edition of MasterChef: The Professionals. Currently, he holds the position of head chef at Salvador, a restaurant nestled within Arthur’s Market in Chelsea, where he crafts modern dishes inspired by the Mediterranean. Before this role, Haydn honed his culinary skills at the Prince Arthur in Belgravia, known for its Basque-inspired pub offerings.

Haydn’s culinary journey began at Westminster Kingsway College, where he developed his foundational kitchen skills. His career took off at Pétrus by Gordon Ramsay, a prestigious establishment that instilled in him the importance of discipline, precision, and consistency at an early age. Additionally, he contributed his talents to Trinity in Clapham, London, further enriching his experience.

His passion for cooking can be traced back to his grandparents, who ignited his culinary aspirations. Recounting to the BBC, Haydn shared, “I spent loads of time cooking with them when I was younger, and those moments really stuck with me. They were the first people who showed me how fun cooking could be, and that joy is what made me want to take it further.”

Specializing in classic European cuisine, Haydn describes his style as French-trained, yet he embraces the robust flavors of Italian and Spanish ingredients. He enjoys working with elements like premium olive oil and exquisite cheeses, focusing on simplicity paired with meticulous attention to detail.

Haydn Payne Age

Born in the year 2000, Haydn Payne was 25 during the filming of MasterChef: The Professionals 2026, bringing youthful vigor and seasoned expertise to the competition.

Haydn Payne Partner

Chef Haydn Payne lives with fiancée in Bermondsey, London.

Haydn Payne MasterChef: The Professionals

Chef Haydn Payne is a contestant on the 18th series of MasterChef: The Professionals on BBC One and iPlayer. He is taking part in MasterChef: The Professionals for his grandparents. He said: “I always told my nan and grandad that I’d do it for them one day. I wanted to keep my word and stepping into the MasterChef kitchen feels like they’re here with me.”

Instagram

Haydn is on Instagram @chef_haydnpayne.

Gemma Ellis Biography – Gemma Ellis Wiki

Gemma Ellis stands at the helm of Clifford’s Restaurant, a celebrated Italian-inspired dining spot nestled in London. This talented chef is currently showcasing her culinary prowess as a contestant on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026. Her journey began with formal training at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu London, followed by early career experiences at The Angel in Halesworth and later at The Harwood Arms in Fulham.

In a conversation with the BBC, Gemma shared insights into her culinary philosophy and the influences that shape her dishes: “I see myself as a confident, intuitive chef. I have a particular affinity for traditional recipes and seasonal ingredients, especially appreciating the elegance and simplicity of Italian cuisine. My approach to cooking is deliberate and unhurried.”

She also credits her diverse team, with whom she has collaborated for years, as a significant influence on her cooking style. “Working alongside colleagues from Sri Lanka and India has been inspiring. We often discuss their weekend meals, experiment with making Paratha and curries, and they frequently introduce me to new ingredients. Food is such a profound way to connect with and share different cultures.”

Gemma Ellis Age

Born in May 1988 in Suffolk, Gemma embarked on her MasterChef journey at the age of 36. She resides in Westbourne Park, London, with her husband, where she continues to innovate and delight patrons at Clifford’s Restaurant.

Gemma Ellis Family

Clifford’s Restaurant head chef Gemma Ellis lives with her husband in Westbourne Park, London.

Gemma Ellis MasterChef: The Professionals

Gemma Ellis is a contestant on the 18th series of MasterChef: The Professionals on BBC One and iPlayer. She says taking part in MasterChef: The Professionals is such an “incredible opportunity to have a platform for your food, and of course I’m a restaurant owner so I jumped at the chance. Also, I think it’s important to remember that young women can also be restaurant owners too.”

Nationality

She is of British nationality.

Instagram

Gemma is on Instagram @gemmellis.

Mario Pérez Reyes Biography – Mario Pérez Reyes Wiki

Mario Pérez Reyes, a distinguished Spanish chef, showcases his culinary talents on Masterchef: The Professionals 2026. Currently, he leads the kitchen at Nomadic Dinners, a unique dining experience set amidst the forest, where open-fire cooking takes center stage. His culinary journey began at London’s esteemed Galvin La Chapelle.

Reflecting on his culinary passion, Mario shared with the BBC, “Food has always held a special place for me, deeply rooted in Spanish culture and my family’s traditions. My mother and grandmothers were exceptional cooks, inspiring my love for cooking from a young age. I only embraced the chef’s life at 26 after moving to London, all thanks to my friend Iain Smith, to whom I owe a great deal.”

Mario describes his culinary approach as “seasonal, flavourful, and relaxed.” He elaborates, “I have a passion for cooking over coal and wood, which I incorporate whenever possible. While my roots are undeniably Spanish, my 12-year stint in London’s diverse culinary scene has enriched my style with a fascinating blend of global influences.”

Hailing from Seville, Spain, Mario now resides in Waltham Forest, London, sharing his life with his best friend Paul, whom he met during their first jobs in the city back in 2014.

Mario Pérez Reyes Age

Born in 1987 in Seville, MasterChef participant Mario Pérez Reyes was 38 when he embarked on his journey in the 18th series of MasterChef: The Professionals.

Mario Pérez Reyes MasterChef: The Professionals

Private chef Mario Pérez Reyes is a contestant on the 18th series of MasterChef: The Professionals on BBC One and iPlayer. As well as Mario, the contestants for heat 1 of the Masterchef: The Professionals 2026 include Emma Hanley, Ismail Hossain and Terrence “Terry” Davies.

Mario decided to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals as a form of shock therapy. He explained: “I was always unconfident and never considered myself a good cook. For years I suffered from anxiety and panic attacks, so I decided it was time for some shock therapy! It will feel quite exposing in front of the judges and the cameras, knowing that everyone would see me failing or not, but I took the courage and I’m going to do it.”

Mario Pérez Reyes Nationality

Mario Pérez Reyes is of Spanish nationality.

Instagram

Mario is on Instagram @cookingsouls.

Ismail Hossain Biography – Ismail Hossain Wiki

Ismail Hossain, a talented chef from Bangladesh, is making waves as a contestant on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026. Currently, he serves as the head chef at The Stag, a renowned gastro pub nestled in Hampstead. His culinary journey has seen him grace the kitchens of several notable London establishments, including Barrica, The Riding House Café, Copita, Temper, The Duke of Wellington on Portobello Road, The Old Ship in Hammersmith, and The Marlborough in Richmond.

Hossain’s culinary career took root when he began working as a kitchen porter at Barrica Tapas Bar in London. It was there he honed his skills in discipline, speed, and a deep respect for ingredients. Progressing through every station, he eventually ascended to the role of Head Chef. Among his proudest achievements is his ability to “build and lead strong kitchen teams, develop seasonal menus, and consistently deliver high-quality food.” He relishes the opportunity to “fuse classical techniques with bold flavors inspired by my heritage, crafting dishes that leave a lasting impression.”

Unable to afford formal culinary education, Ismail embarked on his learning journey by working unpaid alongside former colleagues to gain practical kitchen experience. Fortune smiled upon him when one of his employers sponsored him to complete a Level 2 – Advanced Cheffing course. By 2024, he had furthered his qualifications with a Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene certification, taking on a supervisory role.

Inspiration

Ismail credits his mother as the pivotal inspiration behind his passion for cooking. In an interview with the BBC, he shared, “Growing up in Bangladesh, I spent countless hours assisting her in the kitchen. It was there that my love for food took root. Cooking was an integral part of life, teaching me early on how food unites people.”

Upon relocating to the UK, Ismail’s career aspirations were fueled by his head chef, James Knight. Reflecting on this influence, he remarked, “Observing James Knight craft new dishes and transform basic ingredients into stunning culinary creations opened my eyes to the potential of cooking. I realized then that food has the power to bring joy, inspiring me to pursue it as my career path.”

His cooking style is rooted in “simplicity and respect for ingredients.” He added: “I strongly believe that less is more when it comes to food, allowing natural flavours to shine. I have a real passion for slow cooking, where time and technique transform simple ingredients into something exceptional. Open-fire cooking is also a favourite of mine, as it brings depth, character, and authenticity to every dish.”

Ismail Hossain Age

MasterChef contestant Ismail Hossain was born in 1992 in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. He was 33 years of age at the start of filming of MasterChef: The Professionals series 18.

Ismail Hossain MasterChef: The Professionals

Head Chef Ismail Hossain is a contestant on the 18th series of MasterChef: The Professionals on BBC One and iPlayer. Judging the TV’s biggest professional cooking competition are culinary legend Marcus Wareing, renowned chef Monica Galetti and new judge Matt Tebbutt.

Ismail wanted to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals to “prove to myself that I have what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and to honour the chefs and colleagues who have taught me so much along the way.” He added: “I put my heart into everything I cook, and I believe MasterChef is the perfect platform to challenge me, recognise my hard work, and help take my career to the next level.”

Ismail Hossain Family

Originally from Rajshahi, Bangladesh, Ismail Hossain lives with his wife Sarah and daughter in West London, England.

Ismail Hossain Ethnicity

Ismail Hossain is of Asian ethnicity. He is originally from Bangladesh.

Ismail Hossain Nationality

Ismail Hossain is of British nationality.

Instagram

Ismail Hossain is on Instagram @thechefsmiley.

Harry Clough Biography – Harry Clough Wiki

Harry Clough, a dynamic Scottish entrepreneur, has taken the spotlight as a contestant on the 2026 season of BBC’s The Apprentice. He is the visionary behind “Harry Can’t Sit Still,” a beverage tailored for individuals with ADHD and anxiety. Before this venture, Harry launched Makemyday, a complimentary subscription box offering food and drinks. His professional journey also includes roles like business development associate at Octopus Investments and a position at Luna.

Harry’s educational journey was challenging due to his difficulty concentrating in school, which led to his expulsion at 16. Undeterred, he completed his A Levels at a different institution and embarked on his higher education at Oxford Brookes University in 2017. Balancing his studies with event work, he graduated with a degree in business administration and management in June 2020.

Beyond business, Harry excels as an ultramarathon runner. In November 2025, he undertook a grueling 400-mile run from Edinburgh to London over 12 days, supporting Movember, a prominent men’s health charity. The previous year, he ambitiously ran the equivalent of the London Underground lines, a 250-mile feat, raising over £7,000 for the cause. His dedication saw him rise at 4 a.m. to train, all before heading to his business development job.

Harry Clough Age

Born in 1998, Harry hails from the scenic Scottish Borders, a backdrop that perhaps inspired his adventurous spirit.

Harry Clough The Apprentice

Now, as a contestant on the milestone 20th series of The Apprentice on BBC One, Harry Clough aims to impress Lord Sugar and secure a £250,000 investment to further his entrepreneurial ambitions.

Harry said he deserves Lord Sugar’s investment because “I’m bold, creative, and not afraid to take risks. I’ve failed more times than I can count, but every knock has made me tougher, smarter, and more determined to win. I don’t just think outside the box, I flip it over and turn it into a business idea.

“I take my work seriously, but never myself, because personality sells as much as product. My hunger to make it on my own is exactly what drives me. I’m proof that you can be funny, fearless, and ambitious all at once and that’s exactly the kind of partner Lord Sugar needs.”

Harry Clough Instagram

Harry Clough’s Instagram handle is @harryclough__.

Megan Ruiter Biography – Megan Ruiter Wiki

Megan Ruiter is a British designer making waves as a contestant on the 2026 season of BBC’s The Apprentice. She is the creative force behind Ruiter, a bespoke women’s fashion label. Her clientele includes well-known personalities like Love Island’s Gabby Allen and Georgia Steel, and Jess Wright from The Only Way is Essex.

Megan’s passion for fashion was sparked at the age of seven when her stepfather taught her to sew. Pursuing her dream, she studied Fashion and Apparel Design at Liverpool John Moores University. After completing her degree, she launched her own label, Ruiter, initially crafting dresses from her bedroom. With the support of her mother, Gail Formston, and stepfather, Malcolm, her brand has expanded beyond her initial humble setting.

Discussing her business model with the BBC, Megan explained, “Ruiter is a bespoke womenswear brand that empowers customers to personalize our designs online to match their style preferences. Whether it’s altering lengths, adding or removing sleeves, or choosing different necklines, colors, and fabrics, our brand is not about one-size-fits-all. Our custom feature allows each customer to have a unique piece, appealing to diverse tastes. We aim to boost confidence with every Ruiter garment and ensure our pieces endure through time. With an investment from Lord Sugar, we can elevate the brand and expand on its achievements.”

Megan Ruiter, born in December 1998, hails from Birkenhead, Wirral.

Megan Ruiter Age

The Apprentice star Megan Ruiter was born in December 1998. She is from Birkenhead, Wirral.

Megan Ruiter The Apprentice

27-year-old Megan Ruiter is a contestant on the 20th series of The Apprentice on BBC One. The 2026 series candidates will be looking to impress Lord Sugar and secure his £250,000 investment in their business plan as well as his priceless mentorship. Across 12 episodes, Lord Sugar will whittle down the 20 candidates with help from advisors Baroness Karren Brady CBE and Tim Campbell MBE.

Megan believes she deserves Lord Sugar’s investment because she’s “hardworking” and has been from a young age. She explained: “During university, most students were out partying whilst I was at home teaching myself to sew and starting my own clothing business.

“Whenever I reach a goal in life, I am already working on how to achieve the next goal set. I always give everything my absolute all because when my work life is thriving that is when I feel most content within my personal life too. Plus, I think myself and Lord Sugar would make a great team together.”

Megan owns three successful businesses and says each one has taught her a new life lesson. She added: “I have such a strong desire to succeed in life as a well-established businesswoman and I am currently on a mission to achieve that dream goal for myself. I have no ‘off’ button, it’s always go, go, go.”

Nationality

She is of British nationality.

Instagram

Megan is on Instagram @megan.ruiter. Her Ruiter.co.uk Instagram now has more than 15,900 followers.

Pascha Myhill Biography – Pascha Myhill Wiki

Pascha Myhill, a dynamic 22-year-old from Reading, Berkshire, is making waves as a contestant on the BBC’s The Apprentice 2026. As the principal recruiter at Engage Healthcare, she is already carving a niche for herself in the private healthcare recruitment sector.

In an interview with the BBC, Pascha elaborated on her business vision. She aims to revolutionize the recruitment landscape by supplying skilled, compliant, and compassionate professionals to private nursing homes, care homes, supported living services, and nurseries across the UK. Her business plan underscores a commitment to quality and care in an industry often driven by sheer numbers.

Pascha’s youthful energy and ambition are her driving forces. She brings a fresh perspective to the private care recruitment industry, emphasizing her understanding of the sector’s demands on both providers and staff. She stated, “I don’t want to follow the traditional recruitment path. My focus is on quality, compassion, and compliance. I’m passionate about creating a service that genuinely supports care homes and their staff.”

Confident in her adaptability and driven by ambition, Pascha sees her age as an advantage. She believes that with Lord Sugar’s investment and guidance, she can establish a powerful organization that redefines standards in care recruitment. “Being young allows me to approach things differently, and I’m committed to building an empire in this sector,” she shared.

Pascha Myhill Age

Pascha, born in 2003, is poised to make a significant impact as one of the standout candidates of The Apprentice’s 20th season, blending youthful vigor with a profound understanding of the care recruitment industry.

Pascha Myhill The Apprentice

22-year-old Pascha Myhill is a contestant on the 20th series of The Apprentice on BBC One. The candidates looking to impress Lord Sugar and secure his £250,000 investment. Supported by his advisers, Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell, Lord Sugar will whittle down the candidates across 12 episodes until there is only one winner.

She will be competing against 19 other candidates, ranging from mortgage broker Nikki Jetha, who counts Kim Kardashian as the perfect role model, to London-based barbershop owner Marcus Donkoh, who says he wants to expand to New York, Dubai and Tokyo.

Pascha believes she deserve Lord Sugar’s investment because “I truly want this, not just for me but for the care and recruitment industry as a whole. I’m 21, full of passion and grit, and I’ve never been more determined to build something meaningful. This isn’t just a business idea for me, it’s my chance to make a real difference, helping care homes and nurseries and staff while building a strong, successful company.”

She added: “I’m willing to work harder than anyone, learn from every challenge, and do whatever it takes to make this succeed. With Lord Sugar’s support and guidance, I know I can turn my vision into a thriving, industry-leading business, and I won’t stop until it’s done.”

Pascha Myhill Instagram

Pascha Myhill is on Instagram @pascha.myhill.

Karishma Vijay Biography – Karishma Vijay Wiki

Karishma Vijay is a dynamic British entrepreneur and a contestant on the 2026 edition of BBC’s The Apprentice. She is the innovative founder and CEO of Kishkin, a company specializing in skincare products. Breaking new ground in her family, Karishma is the first female entrepreneur among generations of businessmen.

Her goal is to secure investment to transform her existing business into a worldwide phenomenon. Karishma highlights the growing issue of over-consumption in the beauty industry, where consumers spend excessively on well-marketed but ineffective products, chasing after perfect skin with each new viral product launch, often to the detriment of their finances and skin health.

Kishkin, as she describes, is a beauty brand infused with skincare, offering powerful and effective solutions that simplify elaborate, trend-driven routines and deliver exceptional results—or as she puts it, “miracles.”

Karishma Vijay Age

Karishma Vijay, who was born in 1997, is now stepping into the spotlight.

Karishma Vijay The Apprentice

At 28, this savvy beauty brand owner is competing in the 20th season of The Apprentice, airing on BBC One. To celebrate this milestone season, 20 ambitious candidates will vie for the chance to win a substantial £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar, along with his invaluable mentorship, to propel their business dreams forward.

Karishma says she deserves Lord Sugar’s investment as she is a risk taker, like him. She added: “He invested a substantial amount of money into his first beauty venture and so have I with Kishkin. We both came from nothing and started from scratch. I have been supporting my whole family financially since I started earning and my life’s dream is to build my dad a home. Kishkin is not just a business idea, this could change my family’s future. I don’t come from money and where I come from girls don’t even step into the realm of business. This isn’t just for me, I’m trying to build a legacy.”

Karishma Vijay Ethnicity

The Apprentice candidate Karishma Vijay is of Asian ethnicity. Her family is originally from India.

Karishma Vijay Nationality

She is of British nationality.

Instagram

Karishma Vijay’s Instagram handle is @karishmua.

Marcus Donkoh Biography – Marcus Donkoh Wiki

Marcus Donkoh, a dynamic British-Ghanaian entrepreneur, has been making waves as a contestant on the 2026 edition of the BBC’s The Apprentice. He is the visionary force behind Mavade Barbershop, a thriving establishment in South London. From humble beginnings, where he honed his craft in his mother’s home, Marcus has propelled Mavade to become one of the premier barbershops in the area.

Marcus envisions expanding his business into a global powerhouse in the grooming and lifestyle sector. His ambitious plan is to transform Mavade into an international network of high-end barbershops that redefine men’s grooming. This initiative is driven by a strategy focused on generating recurring revenue, achieving low-cost expansion, and building strong brand equity. His roadmap is clear, targeting major cities such as London, New York, Dubai, and Tokyo.

Marcus Donkoh Age

Born in April 1997, Marcus Donkoh is 29 years old and was one of the hopeful candidates in the 20th season of The Apprentice on BBC One. Despite his entrepreneurial spirit, Marcus was the third contestant to be dismissed by Lord Alan Sugar, following a particularly tense boardroom session on the episode aired Thursday, February 5.

Marcus Donkoh The Apprentice

In the second episode of the series, the competitors were tasked with creating a children’s book and its audio version, catering to kids aged 4-6. They then pitched their creations to industry retailers. Unfortunately, Marcus’ team fell short in securing enough sales to win, marking a disappointing turn in the competition. As the project manager, Marcus initially chose Kieran McCartney and Dan Miller to join him in the boardroom. However, he made a surprising request to replace Dan with Priyesh Bathia, a move that Baroness Karren Brady described as “very unusual.”

Episode two of the show saw the two teams create their own children’s book and audio version for 4-6-year-old kids, and they had to pitch their idea to retailers in the industry. But unfortunately, Marcus’ team lost and failed to get enough sales to win the competition. Marcus, who was project manager, originally decided to bring Kieran McCartney and Dan Miller to the boardroom, but quickly asked Lord Sugar if he could swap Dan for Priyesh Bathia, with Baroness Karren Brady noting “that was very unusual.”

An unimpressed Lord Sugar decided to bring back all four men to face a grilling. Donkah ultimately became the third contestant eliminated from the competition, following the double elimination of events manager Georgina Newton and mortgage broker Nikki Jetha on episode one.

Marcus Donkoh Ethnicity

He is of Ghanaian heritage.

Nationality

He is of British nationality.

Instagram

Marcus is on Instagram @marcusdonkoh.

Lawrence Rosenberg Biography – Lawrence Rosenberg Wiki

Lawrence Rosenberg, hailing from Watford, Hertfordshire, is making waves as a contestant on the BBC’s The Apprentice 2026. As the innovative mind behind Rosenberg Media, a forward-thinking communications agency, he has quickly established himself as a leader in the field. His achievements include being recognized in PRWeek’s 30 Under 30 in 2024, highlighting his impact and potential in the public relations industry.

Rosenberg envisions a transformative approach to public relations, aiming to modernize the sector with his business strategy. He plans to harness the power of intelligent automation to deliver PR solutions that are more efficient and transparent, while maintaining the essential human element that ensures impactful media engagement. “The goal is to empower PR professionals, not replace them,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of equipping talent with tools to enhance productivity without succumbing to administrative overload.

Throughout his career, Lawrence has amassed a wealth of experience in PR, communications, and advisory capacities. His professional journey includes roles at Spreckley Partners and Hemington Consultancy. Notably, he served as the director of The Pinsker Centre, collaborating with G7 ministers and global leaders. Lawrence also held the position of marketing and media manager at the Jewish Chronicle in 2021, contributing his expertise to LBC and The Telegraph.

Rosenberg’s educational background features a stint at Yavneh College in Borehamwood, followed by a focus on politics and history at the University of Manchester, as detailed on his LinkedIn profile.

Lawrence Rosenberg Age

Born in 1996, Lawrence Rosenberg is approaching his 28th year in 2026, bringing youthful energy and seasoned insights to The Apprentice.

Lawrence Rosenberg Wife

Lawrence Rosenberg is married to his wife, Lydia Rosenberg. They got married in October 2024.

Lawrence Rosenberg The Apprentice

28-year-old PR specialist Lawrence Rosenberg is a contestant on the 20th series of The Apprentice on BBC One and iPlayer. The fresh cast of hopefuls will compete for Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment. Supported by advisers Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell, Lord Sugar will whittle down the candidates across 12 episodes until there is only one winner.

Asked why he deserves Lord Sugar’s investment, Lawrence said: “PR is one of the only major sectors that hasn’t undergone a meaningful tech-led transformation, and I believe it’s essential that the person leading this revolution focuses on improving people’s jobs, not eliminating them altogether. PR is about people, and I’m passionate about preserving that.

My business plan isn’t just about building a successful company; it’s about transforming an industry for the better and bringing it into the 21st century. If Lord Sugar can see my vision, then I’d love to have him on board.”

Asked how those who know him would best describe him, Lawrence said: “The kindest thing anyone has ever said to me was by my wife, who told me, ‘nobody’s ever a stranger to you’. She told me that everyone I meet, I treat them like I’ve known them my whole life. I do think the world has lost a lot of perspective, and being able to treat everyone like a friend goes a long way. Ultimately, people prefer to do business with friends they trust. Nobody likes a transactional corporate robot, which is why authenticity is the best recipe – not just in business, but in general life too.”

Lawrence Rosenberg Jewish

Lawrence Rosenberg is Orthodox and an active member of the Jewish community. He was a youth leader with JLGB and, in 2017, ran for the presidency of the Union of Jewish Students while studying politics and history at the University of Manchester. During this time, he also acted as a campus representative for Aish UK.

A Tottenham Hotspur fan, Lawrence is a founding member and captain of Beitar Bushey Football Club, which competes in the Maccabi GB Southern Football League.

Lawrence Rosenberg Instagram

Lawrence Rosenberg is on Instagram @lawrencerosenberg.