New South Wales Age: 28 Occupation: Recruitment Consultant

The epitome of an online generation, Reece has learnt everything he brings into the MasterChef Australia kitchen on YouTube and through social media. An avid learner, he cooks what he likes to eat and admits to having a massive sweet tooth, favouring frozen desserts, but always keen to whip up some impressive braised meats.

Born in Newcastle NSW as the middle of three boys, Reece studied an advanced diploma in hospitality management, graduating in 2009. Working in hotels across the Hunter Valley and Newcastle for several years, he has since moved into recruitment.

Cooking for Reece began at home. Growing up, he says his mum cooked typical Australian dinners which led Reece to start exploring different foods and cuisines. His signature dish is a now coffee dessert with crumbled dark chocolate, honeycomb and Kahlua caviar. While he admits his weakness is filleting fish, he thinks his greatest skill is keeping a clean workbench in the kitchen, something sure to impress MasterChef Australia judge George Calombaris.

Citing Jason Atherton, Nigella Lawson and Yotam Ottolenghi as his culinary idols, Reece says if he could cook anywhere in the world he would choose Paris.

He hopes that his MasterChef Australia experience will give him the confidence to open his own café. He dreams of a takeaway spot offering fresh, vibrant options, but with a sweet treat on the side – ice cream sandwiches. Reece says he would like his venue to utilise the passion of unemployed youth, providing traineeships to students and schooling them in seasonal produce.

Leaving his supporting partner Dean at home, when he is not cooking Reece enjoys playing tennis and gardening in his vegie patch.

Reece is also seen in Season 12 (Back To Win) of MasterChef Australia.