The winner of MasterChef: The Professionals was crowned by the judges in an exciting finale on Thursday night.
Warning: spoiler alert!
Gareth Baty has said he is "over the moon" after winning the popular culinary show, with his final menu honouring his family and late father.
The 40-year-old chef, originally from Carlisle, saw the remaining three chefs cook up a three-course meal in a bid to impress the judges.
Baty, who lives in Whitefield, Greater Manchester, with his wife and children, said: "This means everything to me, it’s the best feeling I’ve ever had. It’s absolutely incredible, I’m over the moon.
"If I’ve learned anything through this competition it’s cooking food you believe in and cooking from the heart can take you a long way. Hopefully this journey is just the beginning."
The series 18 finale saw Baty compete against runners-up Luke Emmess and Mark O’Brien to become the champion of the series.
He dedicated his final menu to members of his family, and it was described by judge Marcus Wareing as an "absolute knockout three-course menu".
Baty presented the judges with a starter inspired by his mother, which was a take on a prawn cocktail, hailed by judge Monica Galetti as a "delicate yet gutsy dish".
She added: "What a great way to start this menu. Brilliant job, your mum would be proud."
Baty then presented his main course, which was dedicated to his father, who died while he was at university, which he said caused him to feel lost and questioning his ability as a chef.
He made a chicken breast roulade wrapped in a chicken and truffle mousse with king oyster mushroom, set puree and tarragon mayonnaise, served with a side of fries and a madeira sauce.
The dish was described by judge Matt Tebbutt as "an absolute winner", and was followed up by a dessert dedicated to Baty’s partner’s family.
He served a twist on the Brandy Alexander cocktail made up of layers of milk chocolate and dulce de leche cremeux, topped with a brandy snap, brandy-poached pears and a ginger and brandy sauce.
Baty said his time on MasterChef: The Professionals was an "amazing adventure", adding: "I’ve taken so much more from the competition than I thought.
"It’s changed me as a person, it’s changed me as a chef. Now that I’m standing here holding this trophy it’s given me a whole new road to travel on and I’m going to go all the way down it."
It was TV host and chef Tebbutt’s final time on MasterChef after he revealed earlier this month that he was "only ever doing one series".
The 52-year-old replaced the former face of the show, Gregg Wallace, who was sacked after a series of misconduct allegations relating to his time on the amateur series, MasterChef.
Source: Press Association
