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Chefs Compete in Barcelona for Culinary Stardom
23 Feb
Summary
- Ten aspiring chefs compete in Barcelona under Jean-Christophe Novelli.
- The show features behind-the-scenes drama, dates, and team nights out.
- Contestants range from 21 to 26 years old, with diverse culinary backgrounds.
A new reality competition, 'The Heat,' is set to premiere on February 24, 2026, featuring ten aspiring chefs vying for culinary recognition in Barcelona. Fronted by Olivia Attwood, the show challenges contestants to impress award-winning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli.
The series will capture the chefs' experiences both in and out of the kitchen, highlighting team nights out and personal dates, adding a layer of reality drama to the culinary contest. ITV's description warns of a fierce competition with constant battles for rank, promotions, demotions, and shock decisions.
The diverse cast includes individuals like Akito, a 24-year-old social media star from Cheshire passionate about Japanese cuisine; Alex, 22, from County Cork, Ireland, with roots in the renowned Ballymaloe restaurant; and Djordje, 26, a Chef de Partie from Wakefield.
Other contestants include Jayon, 22, from Manchester aiming to open a Jamaican-themed restaurant; Kat, 22, from the Scottish Highlands aspiring to be a top private chef; and Maja, 25, from London, daughter of football manager Alan Pardew.
The younger competitors are Marta, 21, a Londoner with Michelin training and aspirations to be a private chef on luxury yachts; and Tom, 21, a creative director from Exeter who trained under Gordon Ramsay. Fashion Marketing student Seren balances her studies with chef work, while Helina, 21, also from London, dreams of becoming a singer-songwriter.
'The Heat' premieres on February 24, 2026, at 9 p.m. on ITV2 and ITVX, with a repeat showing on ITV1 at 10:45 p.m. on the same night.
