Chris impresses but leaves show

Fife chef Chris Niven bowed out of MasterChef: The Professionals at the knockout stage after “the tightest call in the competition so far”.

The Burntisland 34-year-old found himself in a four-way cook-off to stay in the BBC2 show. While he again impressed judges Gregg Wallace, Michelin-starred Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti, he narrowly missed out.

In fact, the decision to leave one beautifully cooked quail breast in his preparation area rather than on the plate may have been his one misstep.

“The dish tasted great but it needed more quail,” bemoaned Wallace during a tense finale.

Chris, who is head chef at the Printing Press Bar and Kitchen and Edinburgh, said he was disappointed to leave.

“I’m totally gutted,” he said. “I wanted to stay longer but I’m proud to have made it past the quarter final and into knockout week. I’ve met great people and I’ve really enjoyed the experience.”

The chef’s final dish of roasted quail served with a sherry sauce, parsnip puree, giroles and sautéed potatoes was praised by Wareing, who described the sauce as “a delight”. while Galetti said “Everything is cooked wonderfully.

Wareing added: “It has been a long day and a tough day in the kitchen but it has been a fabulous cook-off.

“You should go with your head held high.

“You should be very proud.”