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Cast of ITV's The Heat including Alan Pardew's daughter and a TikTok star

Olivia Attwood's new ITV reality show The Heat launches tomorrow night (February 24) with 10 ambitious chefs competing in Barcelona

[The Heat begins on Tuesday night (February 24)]

The Heat begins on Tuesday night (February 24)(Image: TwoFour Productions /ITV)

As Love Island All Stars draws to a close, a fresh reality programme is set to launch that will fill its slot on television schedules from tomorrow evening (February 24).

Presented by Olivia Attwood, The Heat whisks 10 young and driven chefs off to Barcelona where they'll battle to wow award-winning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, who's searching for the next emerging talent.

Whilst it's a cooking competition, the cameras will continue filming once service finishes. This means audiences will witness precisely what the contestants are doing beyond the kitchen, including group evenings out and romantic encounters.

ITV's description hints: "These young hopefuls will quickly realise that no-one's place is secure in this fierce culinary contest, as they consistently battle it out in a bid to climb the kitchen ranks. Promotions, demotions, power plays, sackings and shock decisions throughout the series are sure to keep the contenders on their toes - every service is a chance to soar or sink."

So who are the 10 aspiring cooks hoping to make their mark on the programme? Let's get acquainted with them.

Akito

[Akito already has a cookbook of his own]

Akito already has a cookbook of his own(Image: ITV)

The 24-year-old from Cheshire boasts an impressive rsum spanning chef, writer, musician and social media sensation, sharing content under the handle @akitogreenland. His energetic clips highlight the peaks and valleys of chef life, alongside recipes for his 200,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram to attempt, reports OK!

He launched his culinary journey at just 16 and holds a particular fondness for Japanese cooking. His cookbook Oishii brims with recipes drawn from his mum and grandmother's influence. He characterises his creations as "boujee, but on a budget."

Alex W

[Alex hopes to one day reclaim his great-grandma's Michelin star]

Alex hopes to one day reclaim his great-grandma's Michelin star(Image: ITV)

Alex hails from County Cork in Ireland and grew up in a food-loving household who actually run the prestigious Ballymaloe restaurant and cooking school. The 22-year-old began grafting in his family's eatery, answering directly to his head chef mother.

He subsequently worked a ski season as a chalet chef before packing his bags for London. Nevertheless, he claims his ultimate goal is to return to the family establishment and restore the Michelin star that his great-grandmother Myrtle once possessed.

Djordje

[Prankster Djordje has quickly risen through the ranks in his native Yorkshire]

Prankster Djordje has quickly risen through the ranks in his native Yorkshire(Image: ITV)

Wakefield lad Djordje discovered his love for cooking after initially working front of house. He trained as a commis chef and rapidly climbed the ladder in professional kitchens.

The self-proclaimed joker, 26, currently serves as Chef de Partie at Shears Yard in Leeds.

Jayon

[Jayon wants to open his own restaurant in Manchester]

Jayon wants to open his own restaurant in Manchester(Image: ITV)

Jayon was born and brought up in Manchester and nurtures dreams of launching a Jamaican-themed eatery in the city someday, celebrating his own family roots.

The 22-year-old started grafting in kitchens at 16 as a pot washer before working his way up. He now boasts experience at Nando's, Gourmet Burger and The Ivy.

Kat

[Kat grew up surrounded by nature]

Kat grew up surrounded by nature(Image: ITV)

Kat, 22, was raised in the Scottish Highlands on a rural estate where she formed a bond with nature without any mobile phone coverage. The half-Kiwi, half-Scottish chef began her journey at Glasgow's Virgin Hotel before entering the world of fine dining.

She has her eyes set on becoming a leading private chef in the long run, and reckons she possesses the resilience required to succeed in the field after frequently being the sole woman in professional kitchens.

Maja

[Maja has travelled the world cooking]

Maja has travelled the world cooking(Image: ITV)

Following completion of a criminology degree, Londoner Maja discovered her real passion lay in cooking. She took on various positions and even relocated to Australia after meeting someone through dating app Hinge.

Nevertheless, she has now returned to the UK, currently employed at Marylebone's The Hart.

The 25-year-old is the daughter of football manager Alan Pardew, whose 'dad dance' at the 2016 FA Cup final became an internet sensation. The dance was actually a challenge from Maja.

Marta

[Marta has ambitions to work as a private chef on luxury yachts]

Marta has ambitions to work as a private chef on luxury yachts(Image: ITV)

Despite being amongst the youngest of the group at merely 21, Marta already boasts extensive experience. She trained as an apprentice at a three-star Michelin establishment where she uncovered her love for pastry work.

The Londoner has subsequently worked as a private chef in Tenerife and ultimately aspires to work as a private chef aboard luxury yachts. Her signature creation is the traditional French dessert, croquembouche.

Tom

[Tom once staged under Gordon Ramsay]

Tom once staged under Gordon Ramsay(Image: ITV)

Also just 21 is South Wales chef Tom, who has already mingled with some top-notch chefs. He embarked on his career at 16 and even received training under Gordon Ramsay at The Savoy in London.

Currently, he holds the position of creative director at Crave in Exeter. Here, he focuses on menu development whilst simultaneously working on a new restaurant launch in Bristol.

Seren

[Seren is in the middle of her studies]

Seren is in the middle of her studies(Image: ITV)

Fashion Marketing student Seren was raised in Buckinghamshire in a family of musicians. Her father works as a DJ, whilst her mother is a music manager.

Despite currently studying fashion at the University of Manchester, her true passion lies in food. She manages to balance her studies with her role as a chef at Honest Crust and a pizza stand.

Helina

[Helina really wants to be a singer-songwriter]

Helina really wants to be a singer-songwriter(Image: ITV)

Londoner Helina, 21, isn't alone in the competition as her best mate and fellow contestant Marta is also participating, whom she knows from school.

She's presently employed at a private members' club in Soho as a House Coordinator, but her first foray into the hospitality industry was at a Michelin-starred restaurant in London.

Contrary to her peers, her ultimate dream isn't a high-ranking job in the food industry - it's actually to become a singer-songwriter.

The Heat begins on Tuesday, February 24 at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. It will be shown again that same night on ITV1 at 10.45pm.

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