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 begins airing this evening (Monday 8 November).

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.

"I made it a dream of mine to get on MasterChef," she said. "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.

"Being at University College Birmingham, you get a rich and broad culinary education," she said. "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 prestigious Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or title in 2019 – an achievement which saw her and her team-mates bag a prize gastronomic tour of Spain.