A former Worsley College student is making his mark on national television after securing a place on BBC One’s MasterChef: The Professionals, showcasing the culinary skills he has developed in some of Britain’s most prestigious kitchens.
Dan Nunn, 29, is one of 24 professional chefs competing in the latest series of the popular cooking competition, putting his creativity, experience and technical abilities to the test in front of renowned judges Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti.
Now a senior sous chef at The Sir Charles Napier, a prestigious three-AA-rosette restaurant in Oxfordshire, Dan has built an impressive career since studying catering at Worsley College, part of Salford City College Group.
His journey has taken him into some of the UK's most celebrated kitchens, including Michael Caines' ABode restaurant in Manchester and Tom Kerridge's two-Michelin-starred gastropub, The Hand & Flowers, in Buckinghamshire, where he spent eight years working his way up to junior sous chef.
But Dan's experience of fine dining began while he was still a student at Worsley College.
During his studies, he was given the fantastic opportunity to complete a two-week work placement at the world-renowned Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, founded by legendary chef Raymond Blanc.
The restaurant, which held two Michelin stars for over four decades, has played a significant role in developing some of Britain's most celebrated culinary talent.
For Dan, the placement provided invaluable hands-on experience in a world-class kitchen, allowing him to develop his skills, learn from leading professionals and gain an early insight into the demands of fine dining.
His passion for cooking began long before college, inspired by his father, who worked as a chef, and his grandmother, with whom he spent weekends baking and preparing food.
Today, his cooking style combines classical French and British influences, with a particular focus on seasonal ingredients.
Dan's appearance on MasterChef is a proud moment for Worsley College, which offers a range of professional catering and hospitality courses designed to prepare students for careers in the industry.
Amy Vaughan, Centre Principal at Worsley College, said:
"We're thrilled to see Dan competing on MasterChef! It's fantastic to watch a former student achieve such success in an industry he is clearly so passionate about.
"To go from studying at Worsley College to working in Michelin-starred kitchens and now appearing on national television is an incredible achievement and we wish him all the best."
Dan's journey is a fantastic example of where a passion for cooking, combined with industry experience and professional training, can lead.
