Youngest ever winner of BBC's Masterchef crowned

Craig Johnston has been crowned the youngest ever champion of MasterChef: The Professionals.

Mr Johnston, who was 21 years old at the time of filming, cooked a three-course meal in tonight’s final to take home the prize.

He presented the judges with a torched mackerel starter, roast squab pigeon for the main course, and sauterne and yoghurt mousse with crumble for dessert.

Judge Marcus Wareing said: “That is just stunning. It’s just perfect. I am speechless.”

Mr Johnston, now 22, is sous chef at the Michelin-starred gastropub, The Royal Oak, in Maidenhead.

He said: “Wow. To be the last man standing is unbelievable. I feel like I’m dreaming - it’s a dream come true.

“I’ve loved absolutely every minute of it. My parents will be very proud.”

Mr Johnston beat fellow finalists Louisa Ellis and Steven Lickley to become the 11th champion of the show, in which he impressed judges Wareing, Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace.

Wallace said Mr Johnston “ticks every box”, while Wareing added: “You don’t come across cooks like this very often.

“We’ve just found a star of the future.

“What a fabulous talent. Twenty-one years old, amazing.”