An Ayrshire Paralympian starred in Gordon Ramsay's new cooking show last night by rolling back the years to his time as a professional chef.
Callum Deboys, 26, from Prestwick, took to the new TV arena - an epic 50ft three-story kitchen in 'Next Level Chef' which aired on ITV.
The intense showdown saw Callum and 11 other competitors, some amateur cooks and some ex-pros, battle against each other on the multi-level platforms, which held three tiers, with each tier a different level of kitchen in a bid to win £100,000.
Contestants on each level were given 15 seconds to grab ingredients which dropped down from the level above.
The top level contestants were given the pick of the bunch surrounded by a world-class kitchen.
The food produce then dropped down to the middle level with an average kitchen before heading to basement level, where the last contestants were left with scraps and downgraded equipment.
And Callum, who once worked in top kitchens, was given the ultimate challenge of competing from the basement.
The ex-chef became a Paralympic star after losing his leg in a horrific motorcycle crash in 2015 aged just 19.
But he made his stunning comeback to the kitchen by blowing away judges chef Ramsay, Michelin star chef Paul Ainsworth and American chef Nyesha Arrington.
Callum's perfectly executed pork chop and cauliflower puree saw him claim top spot as he was awarded the best dish and instantly promoted to the top kitchen for next week's showdown.
Speaking on the show, Callum said: "I was a professional chef, it was everything I dreamed of and I absolutely loved it.
"Everything changed when I was involved in a really serious motorcycle accident. I had to get my leg amputated.
"Through physio I just wanted to get stronger and fitter and that led me to sport. I set myself a goal of getting to the Paralympics."
He added: "Although I love being an athlete sport isn't forever. After everything I've been through, it's definitely made me more determined to get back in the kitchen."
Chef Ramsay was instantly impressed with Callum's cooking as he noticed a 'perfect sear' on the meat and praised him for daring to make a cauliflower puree despite not having a blender.
And when it came time to judge, Callum received high praise with Chef Ainsworth commenting: "Beautifully cooked, wow that is some serious next level cooking."
Callum responded to the judges' comments and said he was "super proud of himself."
When announcing that Callum's dish had claimed the top spot, Ramsay added: "Callum your dish was fully accomplished and it is definitely next level."
An ecstatic Callum then told how he couldn't wait to tell his mum.
He added: "Couldn't believe it was me, just absolutely mind blown, I can't wait to tell my mum."
Callum performed at last year's Beijing Winter Paralympics putting in a host of top-20 performances in para Nordic skiing.
He'll return to Next Level Chef in next week's episode which airs on ITV, on Wednesday, January 18 at 9pm UK time.
Episode one is available on the STV Player.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
