A finalist in this year's MasterChef is hoping to win over the judges in this week's concluding episodes.

Thomas Frake grew up in Dartford and he is one of four contestants remaining on the hit show.

Thomas, who works in banking, battled his way through and will compete in tonight's episode.

The former Dartford Grammar School pupil, 32, said: "During the competition, I started to feel more at home in the MasterChef kitchen than I did at home.

"I think it comes from the validation you get from John, Gregg, the crew and other contestants.

"Getting through to the semi-finals gave me a huge boost in confidence.

"I felt strangely comfortable around the judges. The only time John made me feel slightly nervous is when he would do his walks around the studio, watching us work.

"But being judged by them is a hugely positive experience. It’s incredible when they tell you why your dish is good and that they understand what you were trying to achieve.”

Thomas hopes to run a gastropub and his culinary influences include Rick Stein and Keith Floyd.

In tonight's penultimate episode, Thomas and the other finalists will be mentored by renowned pastry chef Albert Adria.

It is then down to the final three for a last cook-off.

MasterChef, the Finals, continues tonight at at 9pm on BBC One, and the series finale is tomorrow at 7.30pm.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford