Steve Deakin
Steve Deakin, 45, from Stoke-on-Trent, has had a lifelong passion for cooking, which recently led him to compete in MasterChef UK. A former IT manager for 20 years, Steve made a bold career shift in 2023, starting as a chef on January 6th. He now works at the Ministry of Defence, continuing to pursue his love for food.
Early Life and Diagnosis
Steve was born with Cerebral Palsy, and doctors initially told his mother he would never walk. However, defying expectations, he took his first steps at the age of two. “I still keep in contact with my paediatrician because they have been very hands-on with my care,” he says. Despite the challenges of CP, Steve never let it define his ambitions.
A Lifelong Passion for Cooking
Cooking has always been a major part of Steve’s life. “I used to bake when I was young; I’ve always been keen to cook and have been experimenting since I was very little.” One of his fondest memories is making flapjacks and different types of tarts at Christmas time with his mum and aunt. However, the most nostalgic dish for him remains his mum’s spaghetti bolognese. “I always remember me and my brother would wait until it had been stewing long enough for us to dip a piece of bread into the sauce. I think most of the family looked forward to this, as most of the bread in the house disappeared on those days.”
From IT Manager to MasterChef Contestant
Steve spent two decades as an IT manager before deciding to follow his true passion. He entered MasterChef UK and made it all the way to the Quarter Finals, impressing judges with his delicious chicken tikka masala. “When I’m out and about, I can tire quite easily – but when I’m in the kitchen, it’s surreal. It’s a totally different thing, and I can cook for a while. I think part of it is because my mind zones out my exhaustion. I can cook and bake for hours.”
Cooking Style and Inspirations
Steve describes his cooking style as diverse and innovative. “I think I have multiple cooking styles. I like to attempt making fine dining desserts. I also love to put my own twist on British classics and fuse them with Asian flavours. I also like using whatever I have on hand to conjure something tasty from the simplest of ingredients and not waste food.”
When it comes to culinary influences, Steve draws inspiration from creative chefs like Heston Blumenthal and the classic British techniques of Tom Kerridge. “I am not 100% sure where all my inspiration comes from, but over the years I have come to appreciate the styles of these incredible chefs.”
Pushing Boundaries and Overcoming Challenges
For Steve, competing in MasterChef wasn’t just about food – it was about proving to himself that he could overcome any obstacle. “I think I would also like to prove to myself that irrespective of my Cerebral Palsy, I have been able to achieve another big challenge I’ve set for myself, which was to become a MasterChef contestant. It has helped me prove to myself that I can achieve any dream I want.”
Though he still struggles with confidence regarding his disability, he remains determined to break barriers. “I want to show that your disability shouldn’t hold you back. I try not to let it hold me back from what I’m passionate about, and applying for MasterChef is one of the greatest things I could have ever done.”
Looking ahead, Steve continues to push boundaries in the culinary world, inspiring others through his perseverance and love for cooking.