MasterChef Winner Dan Merriman Reflects on His Origins

“I’ve been holding on to this for so long and then all of a sudden, it’s finally out. It feels amazing.” Dan Merriman, recently named the new champion of MasterChef: The Professionals, expressed relief at finally being able to discuss what he called one of television’s most closely guarded secrets. The 29-year-old, who hails from Worcestershire, stated that maintaining the secrecy was difficult. “We had such a good time, we made so many incredible memories… It’s lifelong friendships so… of course you want to talk about it, but obviously you’re not able to.” During the seven-week competition, Merriman competed against 31 other professional chefs, ultimately securing the prestigious trophy in Thursday’s final. “To walk away as MasterChef Champion, it means the world to me,” he commented. “This whole competition has changed my life. I’m forever grateful.” His victorious menu comprised a starter of barbecued scallop, glazed in sumac with a Turkish-inspired glaze and accompanied by a curry sauce. For his main course, he presented ex-dairy beef with mushrooms and a beef hash brown infused with truffle, concluding with a blackcurrant cassis mousse alongside yuzu curd for dessert. “I think we all walked away that day incredibly proud and happy with what we put up for the judges,” he informed BBC Hereford & Worcester. “And it didn’t matter what the outcome was. It was absolutely amazing.” Merriman’s journey has progressed significantly since his upbringing in Droitwich. He began his career as a potwasher at the Crown & Sandys pub in Ombersley, after which “it kind of blew up from there really”. He subsequently took on a role as a pastry chef, prior to relocating to the Crown at Hallow. While at the Manor Arms in Abberley, he was noticed by a chef who subsequently introduced him to the realm of fine dining. Merriman stated that his Worcestershire origins continue to influence all his culinary endeavors. “It’s inundated with incredible produce and incredible farmland, which we really need to triumph. I think it’s absolutely amazing.” He added, “So of course I’m inspired by that. It’s always going to be part of my journey.” Concluding, he said, “It’s where I’m from.” For further engagement, BBC Hereford & Worcester can be followed on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Details on our external linking policy are available.