The competition is designed to ‘inspire’ young chefs as the hospitality industry attempts to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Eight students have been selected for the final, which will be taking place on 7 July at University College Birmingham’s training kitchens. They will be competing for a five-day stage at The Ritz working with executive chef John Williams MBE as well as a cheque for £250.

Collins, who won the TV series’ Central Region, himself trained at University College Birmingham 20 years ago and he is hoping to show the students that the industry can not only recover but thrive post-pandemic.

He said: “It’s been tough for the industry, but students should stay positive, focused and excited about their future. As the industry opens up, we hope there will many opportunities to explore.” 

The Student Chef Recipe Challenge is the first Eddie McIntyre Award, paying homage to University College Birmingham’s former head who passed away after a long illness last October. 

Chef lecturer Alan Oliver added: “This is a small way to pay our respects to an incredibly talented, big-spirited, big-hearted man who was such a positive influence on the university and the development of our Birmingham College of Food.

“The competition itself is based on the foundation of Eddie’s beliefs and overriding principles, namely promoting and providing an equal and a fair opportunity for all with the ambition and commitment to succeed.”