MasterChef 2024 contestants: Heat eight - Sami in profile

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: April 24 2024 | 17:02

Last updated: April 28 2024 | 12:56

Get to know MasterChef 2024 contestant Sami, including their age, profession and hopes for the competition.

Age: 24

From: Bristol via Sardinia

Occupation: Therapist

Cooking Style: "I would describe my style of cooking as a fusion of various cuisines and cultures. I usually go for Italian or Sardinian vibes, especially with pasta. I make pasta almost every single day, I simply can't live without it! I also love to get creative and play around with various cooking styles and flavours. Asian cuisine, in particular, has got me hooked because it just tastes amazing!

"My passion for food comes from my childhood in Sardinia, Italy. I think there's something magical about how food brings people together. Back in Sardinia, Sundays meant a big family feast with loads of delicious treats. My cooking heroes are my family, especially my mom Rita, aunt Lisa, and my grandma, Speranza. She passed away when I was young, but her influence is still very much alive! They all taught me how to cook and also shaped the way I see the world, my beliefs, and who I am. I will be forever grateful to them."

Why MasterChef?: "The main reason I entered MasterChef is to showcase my passion for food and represent Sardinia. Sardinia is a land rich in traditions and incredible dishes, and I'm immensely proud of my Sardinian heritage. I wanted the world to know more about this fantastic island's culinary treasures! I also wanted to join MasterChef to challenge myself and embrace opportunities for learning and growth. It is also an opportunity to meet incredible people who share the same love for food. I wanted an unforgettable experience, surrounded by people who, like me, are deeply passionate about cooking."

Ambition: "I have a few food dreams! One of my aspirations is to write a cookbook showcasing Sardinian recipes and some of my own stories along with them. Sardinia has so many fantastic dishes, and I would love to introduce them to British audiences. I would also love to be a food content creator. Cooking is a true joy for me, and my dream is to turn my passion into a full-time job!"

MasterChef continues Thursday at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.