A MARKETING manager from North Wales served up a treat as he cooked his way through to the next round of MasterChef.

The 18th series of the popular BBC show is now underway with judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace once again on a 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.

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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.

One of those competing this year is Ioan Jones, who was born in Ruthin and grew up in Wrexham.

The 38-year-old, who now lives in Salford, appeared on last night's episode 7.

For his audition dish on the show, Ioan put together a pork saltimbocca (pork fillet wrapped in parma ham with a sage and butter filling) with hasselback potatoes in goose fat, onion puree, roasted vine tomatoes, salsa verde and a parmesan leaf.

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PIC: Ioan Jones appeared on MasterChef last night. PIC: Shine TV/BBC

Gregg Wallace initially warned that the dish could be in 'danger' of 'being too busy'.

But, in the tasting, there were positive comments for Ioan's dish from Gregg who said it was 'well cooked' and that he 'loved the strong sage flavour'.

Fellow judge John Torode said the dish was 'too much on one plate' but he 'admired the fact' Ioan was trying to show the judges what he can do.

John added that 'You don't need to do quite so much', adding that Ioan 'has potential'.

The hard work paid off for Ioan in the end as he was one of just three contestants to earn himself an apron and proceed to the next stage of the show.

He said: "Cooking for me involves probably three of my biggest supporters - my mum and my two grandmas. I learned baking from them and all sorts of things from the three important ladies in my life and this is my opportunity to show Gregg and John what I can do."

Ioan added that he hoped to 'control my enthusiasm on the plate' in future dishes on the show.

MasterChef continues on BBC One at 8pm tonight (Wednesday, April 6).