A chef from Bishop Auckland made his debut on MasterChef: The Professionals tonight - here's how he got on.

Toby Hodkinson, 41, starred in the latest instalment of the BBC series which premiered tonight (October 29) at 8pm - and was eager to show hosts he has what it takes to take home the title.

Toby, who works as a sous chef at tapas bar El Castillo run by The Auckland Project, is tasked with making a carrot schnitzel for the judges in the first skills challenge and then a two course meal to show off his flair.

Toby Hodkinson, 41.Toby Hodkinson, 41. (Image: BBC) At the start of the episode, Toby, who is originally from Cumbria, introduces himself and says many of his dishes involves using "fresh, local produce" while picking vegetables in the walled garden of Auckland Castle.

He said: "When I'm cooking and I'm in the moment, there's no better feeling. I've never entered any competitions and I want to prove to my daughter that if you set your heart to something and you go for it you can achieve it."

After being praised for his execution of the carrot schnitzel, Toby was eager to impress with a main of pan cooked chicken, roast carrot, pickled carrots, fennel, chicken butter sauce and wild garlic and mushrooms.

His dessert was sticky toffee pudding with evaporated milk ice cream.

Toby's chicken dish.Toby's chicken dish. (Image: BBC) Whilst whipping up his dishes, Toby said: "I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel but I am at the stage where I am confident and happy at where I am as a chef. 

"I want to give it my all."

Critiques from the judges followed where they believed the chicken was on the dry side but host Greg Wallace admitted he was "really enjoying it".

Recommended:

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo for just £5 for 5 months for a limited time only here.

Toby's sticky toffee pudding.Toby's sticky toffee pudding. (Image: BBC) Moving to dessert, Toby was told his pudding was "not hitting the mark" and his ice cream alongside had a rather "gummy" texture.

Unfortunately at the end of the first episode it was revealed Toby was eliminated - but he was still proud of how he did.

He said: "It's been a tough day but I can go away with my head held high and say that I did my best. My family would be proud. That's the most important thing to me."