A Greater Manchester chef who was recently nominated for a top food award has announced she will be taking part in an upcoming MasterChef series.
Michelin-trained Danielle Heron, who was born in Whitefield, has fronted the Scandinavian neighbourhood bar and restaurant Osma on Bury New Road in Prestwich since opening in 2020. Having previously worked at the likes of two Michelin-starred L'enclume in the Lake District and a further three Michelin-starred Maaemo in Oslo, Danielle’s menu has been praised for its rotating selection of small plates, like Maldon rock oysters and chicken supreme.
Earlier this week, Danielle also featured in the nominations for the annual Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards (MFDF), where she was shortlisted in the Chef of the Year category alongside the likes of Higher Ground’s Joe Otway and Skof’s Tom Barnes.
On Thursday morning (November 7), Danielle took to social media to share that she is due to appear on the upcoming series of BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals. Hosted by Gregg Wallace and Monica Galetti, the show features professional cooks as they compete to be named the next superstar chef.
Since beginning in 2008, the MasterChef spin-off has been won by the likes of Gary Maclean, Ash Mair, Claire Lara and Mark Stinchcombe. The current, and 17th, series of The Professionals began at the end of October with Danielle’s episode set to air on Tuesday (November 12).
Posting on Instagram, Danielle, who also previously appeared on Great British Menu, wrote: “BIG news guys! I’m over the moon to announce that I’ll be competing in MasterChef: The Professionals this year. Tune into BBC One next Tuesday, 12th November from 9pm to watch me on @masterchefuk (and see how I do!). As always, your support means the world.”
Commenting on her post, a number of Manchester’s beloved venues, bars and hospitality businesses shared their praise for the upcoming appearance. Pop-up venture The Little Sri Lankan wrote: "Congratulations!"
Chef Tom Shepherd, who took part in MasterChef: The Professionals last year, said: “Yes!! Amazing." Simon Wood posted: "Good luck Dani!”. In a comment of encouragement, Another Hand replied: "Cheeky!!!!!"
The news also led to excitement from regular Osma customers. One said: “This is immense! Couldn't be more excited to watch this series of @masterchefuk. I just hope I can still get a table at @osmakitchenbar once it's aired and people bear witness to what you create week after week. Bloody genius.”
Another posted: “Congratulations @dani.heron and good luck, know you'll do you and the team proud.” One other said: “Masterchef 2024 Winner there!”
Earlier this year, Osma was also named as one of the top spots for roast dinners in Greater Manchester after M.E.N readers shared their favourites. In high praise, one reader said the restaurant’s gravy was ‘like the finest Champagne’.
MasterChef: The Professionals airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
