A FORMER Masterchef semi-finalist is relishing the challenge of taking on Dorset’s only Michelin-starred restaurant.

Marcus Wilcox, who is currently head chef at the Rose and Crown in Trent near Sherborne, will be taking over Sienna in Dorchester after Russell and Elena Brown leave the venue later this month.

There will be a short break before the restaurant is re-opened with Marcus at the helm.

He said he was looking forward to building on the great work done by Russell and Elena at Sienna.

Marcus said: “It will be interesting, obviously it’s a small place but I’m really looking forward to taking it over.

“Obviously there are big shoes to fill but I’m really excited.”

The 26-year-old added that it was the one place in Dorset he really wanted to take on and was thrilled to be given the opportunity.

Marcus said that he would like to retain the Michelin star status of the restaurant but if it took time to get his feet in the door and get up and running he would not worry if it did not happen in the first year and really go for it the next year.

He spent three-and-a-half years at the Rose and Crown and said he learned a lot and enjoyed his time there but said he was now ready to move on and take on his own venture.

Marcus said: “It was definitely time to do this now.”

He will be looking at recruiting a restaurant manager and another chef to help run Sienna.

Marcus, who reached the semi finals of Masterchef in 2013, will not be the only former Masterchef contestant running a restaurant in Dorchester with former winner Mat Follas also at the Casterbridge Hotel.

Russell and Elena spent 12 years running Sienna, which has a maximum capacity of just 15.

The restaurant first claimed a Michelin star in 2010 and has retained it ever since.

They are now focusing on their website, creativeaboutcuisine.com, which encompasses a new blog, consultancy service, teaching, writing, product development and more.

Other projects Russell will be involved in during coming months include a consultancy contract for Kingston Maurward College and writing monthly columns for Caterer magazine and new Dorset food magazine Menu.

During their last month at Sienna, Russell and Elena are supporting industry charity Hospitality Action with £5 from every bill going to the cause.

Russell said he was glad to see Marcus take on the restaurant and wished him success with it.

He said: “It’s been a great site for us over the years and it’s really nice to see it continue as a restaurant, it would have been a shame if it hadn’t.

“Hopefully he is the right man for the job to take it forward.”