A FORMER Halesowen College culinary student is one step closer to the final of hit show Masterchef: The Professionals.

Stuart Deeley, who works at The Wilderness in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, has impressed judges Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti and presenter Gregg Wallace with his culinary creations to make the final six of the competition.

The former student will battle it out again on Thursday (December 12) to fight for a coveted place in the final.

Stuart, who studied at Halesowen College between 2007 to 2010, said his experience on the hit BBC show has been "amazing".

The judges have praised Stuart for his inventive combination of flavours and his cod was said to be perfect.

Speaking to the News, Stuart said: "The most difficult part was the skills test as I was stepping into the unknown."

Stuart's glittering career began when he won a culinary competition while studying at Halesowen and he was talent spotted by the head chef at Jamie's Italian.

His career has then gone from strength to strength, which has seem him work at acclaimed Michelin-starred Simpsons in Birmingham and now as head chef at trendy The Wilderness.

Stuart took time out his busy schedule to inspire the next generation of budding chefs at his former college this week.

The father-of-one met with Level Two and Level Three Professional Cookery students at the Whittingham Road college to share some of his experiences and demonstrate some of the dishes he has produced in the show.

Chris Hughes, catering lecturer at Halesowen College, said: “It is always great to welcome Stuart back to college, he really inspires the students with his rise to success and now his time on TV.

“We are all very proud of him and wish him the best of luck with the competition.”

Stuart will fight for a place in the final in Masterchef: The Professionals at 8pm on BBC2 on Thursday, December 12, where he will showcase his talents at Hide, the latest acclaimed venture of Michelin-starred chef Ollie Dabbous.