THE heat is on for one Weymouth chef who will be competing in a professional BBC cookery programme.

Francesco Pecchia, head chef and manager of The Monkey’s Fist in Hope Square in Weymouth, is hoping to cause a stir with his popular recipes as he stars in this year’s Masterchef.

Francesco said he is “absolutely delighted” and is looking forward to showing the world what he can do.

Presenters and tough judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace will be keeping a watchful eye over the contestants as they compete to win the 2017 title of Masterchef Champion.

Francesco said: “The first stages of the competition start in November. We will find out a bit more about what we are doing and what to expect. I’m really excited about it and it’s just a pleasure to be part of it all. I have been a chef for a long time and I love the work, so I applied and here we are.

“I knew a while back I was going to do it but we got the confirmation of dates through about three days ago.”

Francesco, originally from Italy, has been living in Weymouth since 2004 and has been at The Monkey’s First for four years.

He was full of praise for his team at the restaurant, who are all rooting for him to go far in the competition. Messages of support have also flooded onto the restaurant’s Facebook.

Francesco added: “This year the competition is being held in Milan so it will be a great experience to go there.

“My interest in cooking started at home in Italy. I was taught by another chef and that’s why I am the chef I am today - it’s all because of him.

“I love working at the restaurant and I am really proud of the business. We try to keep things a bit different and are always looking for new challenges and trying out different foods.

“I’m not too sure of what I will be cooking yet - I like to come up with new creations.”

The restaurant specialises in locally sourced high-end bistro food, where everything is freshly made on the premises.

Francesco added: “To win would be amazing but I’m just excited to be part of it.”