Theo Michaels was born in London, has lived in America, and has eaten his way around the world with a backpack. His cooking first gained recognition after appearing on Masterchef 2014, where he championed Greek Cypriot-inspired ‘elegant village food’. Theo wowed the judges with his opening dish of a mini Greek meze for one which included braised octopus, homemade Greek sausages, Greek salad tubes, rabbit stifado and calamari, all cooked and served within an hour. When cooking for the previous winners on Masterchef, Theo’s two-course meal was well received: “every single component of both courses has been pretty much flawless”, commented Dhruv Baker, and Natalie Coleman said “feels like there is a rave going on in my mouth… it’s beautiful”. Theo’s formal response was, “I’m well chuffed”! Theo has gone on to cook and run a successful pop-up restaurant that sells out within minutes, serving an eight-course tasting menu. When guests can’t get a table at one of his pop-up restaurants he has also provided an exclusive private dining service. Theo is a regular on ITV This Morning, rustling up microwave meals for Holly and Phillip (Holly introduces him as "King of the Microwave!"), he has presented BBC radio cooking shows, and can be seen demonstrating at many food festivals and doing restaurant specials around the world, as well as judging various cooking competitions. Theo now lives in the UK with his growing family, and no way will his wife backpack again. Theo is now a sought-after pop-up chef, and has appeared regularly on television and radio - including repeat visits to ITV This Morning with Microwave Mug Meals (his other bestselling book!). His website is www.TheoCooks.com.