A Moray chef has been eliminated from a gruelling TV cooking contest, but says his memories of the experience will stay with him forever.
Darren Sivewright, who helps develop recipes at the Baxters food factory in Fochabers, made his final appearance on the BBC’s Masterchef: The Professionals earlier tonight.
The 34-year-old made it to the semi-finals of the competition, but a pair of overcooked chicken wings turned out to be his downfall.
Speaking after his exit, Mr Sivewright said he would cherish the time he spent cooking alongside some of the UK’s top chefs.
He said: “It was an amazing experience, and I couldn’t complain about the manner I was knocked out as I was beaten by some great chefs.
“I’ve learned loads from being on the show that I will take with me, and use in my own cooking.”
Mr Sivewright began his first semi-final challenge in Edinburgh, where he spent two days under the tuition of globally acclaimed Scottish chef Tom Kitchin.
Having spent four years away from high-pressured restaurant kitchens, the Fraserburgh-born contestant struggled to get his meals ready on time but Mr Kitchin ultimately applauded the quality of the food he produced.
He later impressed judges Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti with a halibut dish, which was served with mushrooms he had picked himself at Lhanbryde.
But the absence of some chicken wings which had been promised, because they had been overcooked, swayed judges into sending him home from the contest.
Mr Sivewright said that earning praise from show judge Marcus Wareing was a particular highlight, as Mr Wareing had been “a hero” of his as he learned to cook.
He added: “For him to say he liked my cooking is something I will always remember.”