IT has been a long road.

But Warrington chef Liam Rogers is tonight a step away from lifting a prestigious crown.

Because the former Bridgewater High School student is in the final three of BBC One favourite MasterChef The Professionals.

Impressing judges Marcus Wareing, Gregg Wallace and Monica Galetti throughout, he faces two other chefs in a bid to lift the title.

The show is on BBC One from 9pm.

So what do we know about Liam

The 25-year-old from Stockton Heath has cooking in the blood.

After school, he went to the acclaimed Warrington and Vale Royal College to study catering and hospitality where he got the best marks in the college for his level three course.

But his association with food goes back much further.

Liam's passion for cooking was inspired by his dad who helped him out from a young age at Tom at 101, the much loved Stockton Heath restaurant, which his dad used to run.

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And what has he done away from the show

Liam is a former senior chef de partie at one of the countrys best eateries two star Michelin restaurant, Sat Bains, Nottingham.

He now works at the famous Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland.

He is a sous chef.

What does Liam say

Speaking ahead of finals week which has seen him cook at chefs table and the three Michelin star Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, he said winning would mean everything.

He has watched the show since being a youngster.

"To be crowned the winner would mean everything. I have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the competition so far and it has been my full focus.

“It has absorbed my life, my time off, my personal time and it has taken over everything. Winning would make it worth all the missed parties and other things you miss out on to become a chef, and it would mean a hell of a lot.

"“I have been watching this show since I was tiny, and it has inspired me to become a chef. Going all the way and winning it would be pretty special.”

What next 

Whatever the outcome. Liam is aiming on ‘doing his own thing’ next year, cooking his own dishes for people that want to eat his food.

“Now I have the exposure of being on TV, you get a lot more people wanting to eat your own food,” he added.

“That is why I am going to try and do pop-ups and little private events and food festivals – something I have never done before but that excites me.”

When is the final

It screens at 9 tonight, Thursday.

Or catch the series on iplayer

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