Student set to appear on BBC 's MasterChef

Yasmine Selwood, a talented chef studying at University College Birmingham is set to appear on the new series of MasterChef: The Professionals - and has encouraged fellow students to embrace such opportunities in the culinary industry.

Yasmine Selwood is among the contestants appearing in series 14 of the hit BBC cooking show, which is now in its second week.

The final year Culinary Arts Management BA (Hons) student revealed she had been encouraged by family to apply for the competition following a difficult year in which the coronavirus pandemic had impacted upon her work opportunities in the industry.

Yasmine said: "I made it a dream of mine to get on MasterChef; I had a talk with my mum and she convinced me to apply!"

Yasmine, who previously studied Professional Cookery Level 2 and 3 at University College Birmingham and worked as a commis chef at the city's Michelin-starred Adam's restaurant, explained how her studies and experience had helped her prepare for such a challenge.

She said: "Being at University College Birmingham, you get a rich and broad culinary education, it's been invaluable in everything I've done to date.

"It puts you in the mindset to go out and dominate. Just look at restaurants around Birmingham - they are full of University College Birmingham students!"

Yasmine is no stranger to the rigours of culinary competition, having been part of the triumphant trio from the University to win the Nestl� Professional Toque d'Or title in 2019 - an achievement which saw her and her team-mates bag a prize gastronomic tour of Spain

Now working as a personal chef for high profile clients alongside her studies, she encouraged other budding chefs at the University to take on similar opportunities to develop their skills and test their talents.

Yasmine said: "University College Birmingham is a hub for opportunity. Put your reservations aside, try your best, let your personality shine through and make the most of your time.

"I have done so many amazing things and it's because of this University, being in the right place and having the right attitude.

"You don't grow by staying in your comfort zone. Get out, put yourself forward and grow - that's how you become a really good chef."