ITV's The Heat: New Cooking Competition Premieres with Diverse Chef Lineup
As Love Island All Stars concludes its run, ITV is launching a fresh reality programme to fill the prime-time slot. The Heat, presented by former Love Island star Olivia Attwood, begins broadcasting on Tuesday, February 24 at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX, with a repeat showing later that same night on ITV1 at 10.45pm.
Culinary Competition with a Reality Twist
The innovative format transports ten ambitious young chefs to Barcelona, where they compete to impress award-winning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, who is searching for the next emerging culinary talent. While the core of the show focuses on cooking challenges, cameras continue rolling after service ends, capturing contestants' lives beyond the kitchen including group evenings out and potential romantic encounters.
ITV's official synopsis promises intense drama: "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."
Meet the Ten Aspiring Chefs
Akito: This 24-year-old from Cheshire brings an impressive multi-faceted background as chef, author, musician and social media personality. Operating under the handle @akitogreenland, he shares energetic videos about chef life with his 200,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram. Beginning his culinary journey at 16, he specializes in Japanese cooking and has published his own cookbook, Oishii, featuring recipes influenced by his mother and grandmother.
Alex W: Hailing from County Cork in Ireland, the 22-year-old grew up in a food-loving family that runs the acclaimed Ballymaloe restaurant and cookery school. After starting at his family's establishment under his head chef mother, he worked a ski season as a chalet chef before moving to London. His ultimate ambition is to return to the family business and reclaim the Michelin star his great-grandmother Myrtle once held.
Djordje: The 26-year-old Wakefield-born chef discovered his passion for cooking after initially working front of house. He trained as a commis chef and rapidly ascended through professional kitchen ranks. This self-proclaimed prankster currently works as Chef de Partie at Shears Yard in Leeds.
Jayon: Born and raised in Manchester, this 22-year-old dreams of opening a Jamaican-themed restaurant in his hometown to celebrate his family heritage. Starting as a dishwasher at 16, he has gained valuable experience at establishments including Nando's, Gourmet Burger and The Ivy.
Kat: Growing up in the Scottish Highlands on a country estate without mobile phone reception, this 22-year-old half-Kiwi, half-Scottish chef developed a strong connection with nature. She began her culinary career at Glasgow's Virgin Hotel before entering the fine dining world. Determined to become a leading private chef, she believes her resilience developed as often the only woman in professional kitchens will serve her well.
Maja: After completing a criminology degree, this 25-year-old Londoner discovered her true calling in cooking. She has held various positions and even relocated to Australia after making a connection on dating app Hinge. Currently employed at Marylebone's The Hart, she brings a famous family connection as the daughter of football manager Alan Pardew, whose viral 'dad dance' at the 2016 FA Cup final was actually a dare from Maja herself.
Marta: Despite being one of the youngest contestants at just 21, this Londoner already boasts extensive experience. She trained as an apprentice at a three-star Michelin restaurant where she discovered her passion for pastry. After working as a private chef in Tenerife, she ultimately aspires to work on luxury yachts, with the traditional French dessert croquembouche as her signature creation.
Tom: Another 21-year-old contender from South Wales has already mingled with culinary royalty. Beginning his journey at 16, he honed his skills under Gordon Ramsay at The Savoy in London. Currently serving as creative director at Crave in Exeter, he focuses on menu development while simultaneously working on a new restaurant launch in Bristol.
Seren: Raised in Buckinghamshire within a musical family where her father works as a DJ and her mother manages music artists, this Fashion Marketing student at the University of Manchester balances her studies with culinary work. Despite her academic focus, her true passion lies in food, and she works as a chef at Honest Crust and a pizza stand alongside her university commitments.
Helina: The 21-year-old London-based contestant enters the competition alongside her best friend and schoolmate Marta. Currently employed as a House Coordinator at a private members' club in Soho, she began her hospitality career at a Michelin-starred London restaurant. Unlike her fellow competitors, her ultimate dream isn't culinary success but rather becoming a singer-songwriter.
The Heat promises to deliver a compelling blend of culinary expertise and personal drama as these ten diverse contestants navigate the pressures of professional cooking while cameras capture every moment of their Barcelona experience.
