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FIRST LOOK The Heat

  • 4 hours ago
  • 6 min read

Meet the chefs taking part in ITV2's new cooking competition!



Hosted by Olivia Attwood, ITV2's new reality series The Heat, sees ten ambitious chefs travel to Barcelona, working under multi-Michelin Star award-winning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, who is opening an exclusive summer restaurant at the glamorous Port Vell Marina and on a mission to find the next rising star.


But this isn’t just a straightforward cooking competition, as each day, when the kitchen service is over, the cameras keep rolling because when you’re living, working and competing with one another, there is no escaping The Heat. Viewers can expect post shift dates, staff nights out and more - blending both their professional and personal lives will see tempers simmer, steam and boil, in and outside of the kitchen.


These young hopefuls will quickly realise that no one's place is secure in this fierce culinary contest, as they consistently battle it out in a bid to climb the kitchen ranks. Promotions, demotions, power plays, sackings and shock decisions throughout the series are sure to keep the contenders on their toes - every service is a chance to soar or sink.


With Olivia keeping a close eye, offering sharp insight, spicy gossip, and the occasional reality check, The Heat promises all the ingredients for an unmissable reality series with a twist. Who will rise to the top? And who will face the chop?


It's time to meet the chefs...

Akito

24, Cheshire



He's a chef, an author, a musician and a TikTok favourite. Is there anything Akito can’t do? From Japanese-inspired cookbooks to music albums, he’s a true creative with fingers in many pies.


A natural showman, Akito has fused his love of cooking with content creation, building a massive audience and racking up millions of views with his high-energy, fast-paced takes on chef life.


Outspoken and fearless, he speaks his mind, isn’t afraid of conflict, and always stands his ground. Akito’s career in the kitchen began at just 16, when he entered fine-dining restaurants as a Kitchen Porter before working his way up to Sous Chef at the award-winning Tollemache Arms in Alprahma.


Passionate about Japanese cuisine, he’s known for creating visually striking, artistic dishes. He currently works as a full-time influencer and content creator with large followings on

both Tik Tok and Instagram.


Alex W

22, Co. Cork, Ireland


Alex was born and raised at the world-famous Ballymaloe in Ireland, where his family owns and runs the renowned restaurant and cookery school. Confident and self-assured, he lets work and ability do the talking.


Armed with natural charm and a cheeky smile, Alex is popular, and no stranger to a bit of light-hearted banter on a night out.


Alex began his career in the family restaurant, reporting directly to his mum as head chef, before heading off to work a ski season as a chalet chef. Keen to prove himself, he moved to London, gaining experience as Chef de Partie at Straker’s and later working at Lyles.


Alex’s ultimate ambition is to return home, take the reins of the family restaurant, and reclaim his great-grandmother Myrtle’s Michelin star.

Djordje

26, Wakefield



Djordje is cheeky, fun, charming and full of warm Northern warmth, the kind that means he somehow gets away with everything. He grew up in Wakefield, West Yorkshire,

alongside his sister.


He enjoys being a prankster and loves having a laugh, he doesn’t take things too seriously, wears his heart on his sleeve and is open to every opportunity.


Djordje started out front of house but quickly caught the kitchen bug, swapping the floor for the pass and training as a commis chef.


His drive and determination saw him rise to Junior Sous Chef at the Palm Hospitality Group in Wakefield. Now a Chef de Partie at Shears Yard in Leeds, Djordje continues to go from strength to strength.

Helina

21, London


Helina is a multi-lingual Londoner with strong Ethiopian roots, who grew up in a culture built on warmth, hospitality and making everyone feel welcome, which explains her natural gift for chatting, hosting and instantly connecting with people.


Raised in a busy household, Helina is completely at home in constant company. She’s also best friends with Marta, having known her from school. Helina currently works as a ‘House Coordinator’ at a private members’ club in Soho.


Welcoming guests, coordinating events and keeping communication flowing between head office, the kitchen and the bar. Previously, she cut her teeth at a Michelin-starred restaurant in London, gaining first-hand experience handling high-pressure service and fiery chefs.


While hospitality is her happy place, Helina’s true passion is music. Her ultimate dream? To become a singer-songwriter.

Jayon

22, Manchester


Jayon is self-assured and confident in and out of the kitchen. Known by friends as ”Mr Philosopher,” he’s often the one giving thoughtful advice. Born and raised in Manchester, with Jamaican heritage, Jayon is proud of his roots and his city.


While he’s very much a city boy, he also enjoys spending time outdoors, readily heading to the Peak District for hikes with friends, and colleagues. Warm, funny and kind he is well-liked by those around him. Jayon began working in kitchens at 16, starting as a Kitchen Porter washing dishes, before quickly progressing through the ranks.


He developed his skills on the grill at Nandos and Gourmet Burger then went on to roles at The Ivy and Medlock Canteen as Chef de Partie. With years of hands-on experience behind him Jayon’s long-term goal is to open his own Jamaican-themed restaurant in Manchester.

Kat

22, Scottish Highlands


Kat is a half-Kiwi half-Scottish lass, who grew up in the remote Highlands raised on a country estate with zero phone signal. Her childhood revolved around stags, deers, tearing around on quad bikes and getting gloriously muddy.


These days, she prefers city life and recently moved to Glasgow before setting off to explore Australia.


Kat kicked off her career at Glasgow’s Virgin Hotel, starting out as a Commis Chef, before moving to the city’s fine-dining hotspot Glaschu. She then took her talents to the Marriott Hotel, stepping up as a Chef De Partie.


She’s accustomed to being the only woman in the kitchen and standing her ground - thick-skinned, quick-witted, and fluent in the banter needed to fit in. Kat has her sights firmly set on her ultimate dream of becoming a top private chef.

Maja

25, London


Quietly confident and warm, Maja is highly social and the unquestioned organiser of the group. If it’s midweek and she hasn’t already been out, she starts getting restless.


Maja is the daughter of football manager Alan Pardew, whose infamous FA Cup “dad dance” celebration became an internet sensation, thanks to a dare from Maja herself, though she never expected it to go viral.


Maja studied criminology at university but, after graduating, realised her real passion lay in the kitchen. She trained at Leith’s Cookery School, where she found her stride, before working as a Chef de Partie at Clipstone Restaurant as part of a close-knit team of just four chefs.


A Hinge match then took her to Australia, where she landed a role at the iconic Icebergs restaurant on Bondi Beach. There, she worked in a large sociable brigade of 20 chefs. She now works at The Hart in Marylebone as a Chef de Partie. Her ultimate dream is to start a food business with her sister.

Marta

21, London


Marta is a go-getter with a big personality and fierce determination. Ambitious, independent and mature beyond her years, she knows how to work hard and let her hair down when service is over.


With Bulgarian and Egyptian roots, she’s no-nonsense, with a straight-talking attitude, staying calm even when the kitchen heats up. Off the clock, she’s even tried her hand at clay pigeon shooting, proving she can handle pressure both in and out of the kitchen.


Marta began her cheffing career as an apprentice at a three-Michelin restaurant, where she discovered her passion for pastry. She then worked as a private chef in


Tenerife. Her signature dish? A show-stopping croquembouche. Marta’s dream is to become a private chef on luxury yachts.

Seren

21, Buckinghamshire


Confident, chatty and impossible to ignore, Seren grew up in Buckinghamshire surrounded by music, chaos and creativity.


Raised by a DJ dad and music-manager mum, she was destined for the spotlight. With a rich mix of Turkish and Dutch heritage, Seren grew up immersed in culture and big personalities.


A self-confessed wild child, she speaks her mind, thrives on attention and brings bold energy wherever she goes.


Seren is currently studying Fashion Marketing at the University of Manchester, and while she enjoys it, she knows it’s not where her heart truly lies. Her real passion has always been food. Alongside uni, she works as a chef at Honest Crust, a buzzing pizza stand in Mackie Mayor market, where she’s getting hands-on in the kitchen.


With years of waitressing experience under her belt, Seren knows front of house inside out.

Tom

21, South Wales


A lovable lad from South Wales, Tom is a huge character, ambitious and confident beyond his years. He’s a force to be reckoned with, quick-witted, charismatic and full of sitcom-worthy humour.


Armed with sharp anecdotes, catchphrases and the occasional life lesson, Tom has a knack for winning people over. He worked relentlessly from the ground up, rubbing shoulders with some of the best chefs in the business.


Tom is currently the creative director at Crave in Exeter, working closely with the owner to develop the menu offerings, whilst also working on opening a new site in Bristol.


He began cooking professionally at 16, building his experience at respected kitchens including The Hardwick in Abergavenny, Lucknam Park in Wiltshire, and The Savoy in London where he staged under Gordon Ramsay.



The Heat starts Tuesday 24th February at 9pm on ITV2

 
 
 

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