He's known as 'Smiles' at the Nottinghamshire retirement village where he's been working during his gap year. Now staff and residents at Lark Hill in Clifton hope Young MasterChef contestant Myles Ahuja has what it takes to lift the trophy.
The 19-year-old, who lives in West Bridgford, will be going into battle tonight (January 3) in his heat against four other competitors. In the first round, the young cooks are challenged with creating their personality on a plate within 90 minutes.
Myles will be will be gong to the University of Nottingham to study Veterinary Medicine in March, but in the meantime he has been a part-time personal support worker at the biggest retirement village in Europe. There he prepares food and drinks, assists with personal care and spends time chatting to residents.
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Staff and residents will be rooting for the teenager, who they describe as compassionate and cheerful. Myles, who gets emotional as the judges try his food, had undiagnosed dyslexia throughout secondary school. He said: "One thing I can promise the judges is that I will work harder than any other contestant in this competition."
Viewers will have to wait until 8pm this evening to see how Myles gets on but Lark Hill resident, retired Raleigh worker, Ann Dunks, said: "I think he could win - I hope he does anyway. Even if he doesn't he's our winner. He's ever so cheerful, he's very nice. He helps people quite a lot."
The 85-year-old added "He'd do anything for anybody. He's a lovely lad. He torments me - he stands fluffing my hair."
Young MasterChef, for 18 to 25-year-olds, is a new concept for the BBC which already broadcasts MasterChef: The Professionals, Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef for amateur cooks. Myles describes himself as 'very energetic, bubble and friendly'.
Lark Hill manager Abigail Rogers said of Myles: "He's a very kind and compassionate person. He's very charismatic. All the residents love him. They call him Smiles. They say he brightens up their day."
The new series is fronted by judges, Michelin-trained internet sensation Poppy O'Toole, and Kerth Gumbs, who was a finalist on Great British Menu 2020. Episodes will feature well-known and world-renowned foodie guests throughout the series.
Myles can be seen in the second episode tonight. Watch it on BBC Three at 8pm and BBC iPlayer.
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