A MARKETING manager from North Wales is set to embark on the 'opportunity of a lifetime' as a contestant on MasterChef.

Ioan Jones was born in Ruthin, brought up in Wrexham and now lives in Salford.

The 38-year-old is set to be one of the challengers in the 18th series of MasterChef.

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Over seven weeks, MasterChef judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace are ready for the journey to discover the UK’s best amateur cook, one plate at a time.

Forty-five passionate and talented hopefuls start the competition from all walks of life including an NHS Worker, theatre director, beer bike tour guide, childcare worker, bank manager and retired headteacher.

They all have one goal in mind – to cook their way to the pinnacle of the 2022 trophy and join the outstanding MasterChef alumni who have gone on to stellar careers in food.

Ahead of appearing in an episode of the latest series which airs this week, Ioan said: "I am originally from a farming family and community, raised in the countryside and surrounded with an abundance of fresh produce.

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PIC: (credit Shine TV/BBC)

"This has made me passionate about the produce I use and I understand and respect its origins. I am a keen traveller and look for inspiration from new produce, cultures and experiences from around the world."

Ioan added: "MasterChef has always been a dream of mine. I have avidly watched it over several years, always thinking 'I will apply - one day' – and here I am, I finally plucked up the courage.

"This is the opportunity of a lifetime. I want to demonstrate my passion, my ability to grow as a cook and most importantly I want to have fun. I am so excited being part of the MasterChef competition this year."

The latest series of MasterChef continues at 8pm tonight (Tuesday, April 5) and tomorrow (Wednesday, April 6) on BBC One.