A LOCAL chef is hoping that he can find the recipe for success in a well-known TV programme.

Wayne Sullivan, head chef at The Old Stocks Inn in Stow-on-the-Wold will appear on MasterChef: The Professionals on Wednesday.

Mr Sullivan who applied for the competition twice before, will battle against five chefs from across the country on the popular BBC Two Show.

The former Gloucestershire College and Cheltenham Bournside School pupil said: “I gave up after the second time thinking that it wasn’t going to happen.

"I didn’t have a crisis of confidence per se, but I genuinely don’t believe I’m as good a chef as people say I am.

“My wife really pushed me to give it one more try, she was determined to see me believe in myself.

"We agreed that this would be the last time that I applied but in the end, she was right.

“I completed the online application just before midnight.

"I was right on the deadline and made it by the skin of my teeth.

"Then next morning at 8.30, the phone rang and it was the production company who make the programme inviting me to Bristol for an audition meeting.

"So, from finally deciding to go for it to meeting the producers, it was a bit of a whirlwind.

He was selected as one of the 48 chefs to compete in the prestigious competition.

On Wednesday's episode, he will have to produce a signature dish and undergoing the Skills Test, where he will be challenged with recreating a dish chosen by the judges in the hope of earning a place in the quarter-finals.

“We’re thrilled to see our head chef taking part in this year’s MasterChef: The Professionals,” said Charlotte Tuck, general manager of The Old Stocks Inn.

“Although we’re really excited to learn how Wayne gets on in the series, we’re delighted to have such a high-calibre chef here at The Old Stocks all year round and we can’t wait for the nation to see just how talented he is."

The programme airs at 8pm on BBC Two.