A MARKETING manager originally from North Wales has made it to the last eight on this year's MasterChef competition.

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.

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, first appeared on episode 7 where he wowed judges with his pork saltimbocca dish.

This week, his journey on the popular show continued as he made it through to the official last eight of the competition.

During the episode on Tuesday, April 26, the 'semi-finalists' had to create a three-course menu that they would be proud to serve in their own restaurant.

Ioan, the son of Gwynfor and Helen Jones who now live on Anglesey, served up a  a sticky toffee apple pudding with compressed apple, pecan crumb and a celeriac ice cream.

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PIC: MasterChef star Ioan Jones. Picture by Shine TV/BBC.

The mouth-watering pudding was described as a “great tasting dessert” and praised for its richness and sweetness.

As a result, Ioan - who says he was originally inspired to cook by his mum and two grandmothers - is now still in with a chance of winning this year's coveted title of 'MasterChef'.

He says his main aim is to 'make people smile' through the food he cooks. 

MasterChef continues Thursday night (May 28) at 8pm on BBC One. Stream the series so far on the BBC iPlayer.