A foodie from Forest Gate will compete in the knockout stages of MasterChef this evening.

Newham Recorder: Michael Sanders hard at workMichael Sanders hard at work (Image: Archant)

Michael Sanders will be pitted against four other amateur chefs in tonight’s episode for a chance of going forward to Friday’s challenge - and win a place in this year’s semi-finals.

But speaking to the Recorder, Michael admitted that cooking hasn’t always been his forte.

“I’ve always liked eating but it was only when I moved to London about eight years ago and I was living on my own that I learnt to cook, because I had to,” he explained. “I always had an interest in food but I never really cooked anything until I moved out of my parents’ house.

“In London you are exposed to all types of cuisine from all over the world which is great. I quite enjoy the craft of it as you can genuinely see yourself getting better when you practice.”

Find out how Michael gets on by watching MasterChef on BBC1 at 8pm tonight.