A pro golfer will be swapping the driving range for the stoves of the MasterChef kitchen as he puts his culinary skills to the test on the popular BBC show.

James, a 38-year-old PGA Golf Professional, originally from Sidcup but now from Bearsted, features in the latest heats of the show which airs at 8pm tonight.

Coming up to the fourth heats in the series, the father of two explained how he loves to cook "British homely dishes" but loves to learn new dishes, mainly cooking for his family.

He said: "I like it when we get a chance to eat as a family and I love making food fun for the kids.

"Making different pastas, pizzas or baking some sweet treats is something they love getting involved with."

The show, which has been on our screens for more than 15 years, uncovers Britain's best food talents.

Some 45 home cooks from across the UK will showcase their skills in a bid to impress judges, Gregg Wallace and John Torode.

Contestants are put through a series of extraordinary challenges, putting their cooking skills to the test.

This year the judges are mixing it up, introducing a whole new set of challenges to kick off the competition.

Each week for five weeks, nine home cooks arrive with both their dreams and ingredients, making their MasterChef debut in the new audition round.

The contestants must calm their nerves to focus on the food and deliver their standout signature dish.

For the first time since 2005, the chefs will not be watched as they make their signature dish.

James added: "I’ve applied lots in the past but never been successful, which actually is a blessing in disguise as this last couple of years because of lockdown I’ve been cooking more than ever.

"So it’s the right time to give it a go.

"I’m pretty competitive but I’m really excited about the whole experience of taking part in the show."

The new series will introduce the MasterChef tasting room where the judges will make the final decision.

John and Gregg will pick their three favourite dishes, giving those cooks a well-earned MasterChef apron and a breather from cooking in the next round.

The remaining six contestants will get another chance to impress the judges by cooking another of their signature dishes, a sweet dish if they delivered savoury in the first round and vice versa.

This time, John and Gregg will be in the kitchen witnessing their every move.

The pressure is at boiling point and the stakes are high as for two cooks, their MasterChef dream is over.

Having conquered most of the competition, the semi finalists will need to rise to some incredible challenges.

They will cook for 20 returning MasterChef contestants who have gone on to have careers in the food industry since taking part in the series.

The finalists will have earned a unique opportunity to travel to Ireland to celebrate the legacy of one of the world’s most important chefs – Myrtle Allen, at Ballymaloe House and Cookery School, where chefs from all over the world come to learn the late, great patron’s philosophy.

The final three will get the dream chance to take on chef’s table challenge, at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London, which celebrates 21 years of holding an incredible three Michelin stars.

You can catch all the action on BBC One and iPlayer.