Masterschweff: Exeter graduate dazzles on BBC One cookery show

An Exeter graduate has been making waves on the immensely popular BBC One show Masterchef.

The 2014 series is well underway, and amid all the usual talk of soggy bottoms and bouillabaisse related b*nter, the hottest topic for this year’s competition is 21 year-old Jack Lucas from Solihull.

In his first appearance on the show, Exeter graduate Jack started purposefully with a well received lobster and scallop ravioli, making the pasta from scratch, before showcasing his broad range of technical ability to tackle an apple & cinnamon tart with Chantilly cream.

Jack, who graduated in 2013 with a First in Geography, seemed to cope more than capably with the competitive pressure of the competition, even finding time for some to-ing and fro-ing with Greg, which provided some light relief to an otherwise stressful atmosphere.

‘Juicy Jack’ -as some of his new fans have named him- has stolen the hearts and minds of many, with a number of viewers taking to Twitter in celebration of his cooking ability, his cheeky nature and even his perfectly formed eyebrows.

After having progressed into the second stage, the contestants were faced with a main and dessert service for 3 previous Masterchef finalists. Jack laid on a pan roasted venison loin with parsnip crisps, wild mushroom fricassée and a chocolate and red wine sauce, which he followed with a ‘deconstructed cheesecake’ with berry compote and a “buttery biscuit base.”

It was at this point that the wider Masterchef community knew they had a real character as much as a prodigious young chef on their hands, as Jack paid homage to the fan favourite expression.

Much has been made of the cult status the phrase ‘buttery biscuit base’ has amongst MC regulars, and Jack decided he should give the people what they wanted in much the same way as Springsteen might drop ‘Born to Run’ at the end of a long set.

The critics seemed to love Jack’s food, with phrases like ‘utterly delicious’ and ‘spectacular’ featuring among the verdict. The enthusiasm needn’t have stopped there though, with Greg clearly unable to contain his disbelief at Jack’s one-handed quenelle tekkers.

SPOILER: It was no surprise then that Jack was among the pair to progress onto the Quarter-final of the competition. Speaking after the big news, Jack said he was “overwhelmed” to have made the cut, and that it was “an honour to get through.”

Best of luck to you Jack, more power to you!