COLLEGE lecturer Gary Maclean has scooped the top title of MasterChef.

The 45-year-old teacher at City of Glasgow college knocked out rivals Elly Wentworth and Matt Healy in the culinary showdown, creating an astounding dish which wowed the judges.

Gregg Wallace joined Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti to judge the final cook off, before crowning Gary the winner.

The talented chef put together an impressive three course meal in just three hours, drawing from inspiration he gained while getting to work in a three star Norwegian restaurant.

Dad-of-five Gary told the Evening Times earlier this week that he would not be giving up his job as a lecturer if he won the contest, and joked that his class attendance would go up.

He said the contest had been "incredible" and a "great experience", admitting he was a "MasterChef nerd" who had applied for the show twice before he was finally selected to appear.

Over the last seven weeks, 48 of Britain’s most ambitious and determined chefs put their reputations on the line to battle for the MasterChef: The Professionals title.

Gary previously impressed the judging panel and most recently three Michelin-starred chef Esben Holmboe Bang, of Oslo's Maaemo restaurant.

While working at the Norwegian restaurant he crated a dish inspired by his youth and was praised by chef Esben.

He combined luxury Mahogany clams, gooseberries and pickled onion with a sauce made form the fish stock, explaining:"Gooseberries were the only thing that would grow in my garden at home."

Chef Esben praised the dish, saying: " I really, really like it. The clam tastes of clam, you have all these sweet and acidic notes coming through and the buttery sauce makes it luxurious. You took what we do and made it your own. I'm very impressed."

Gary said he decided to enter the competition because of his love for the show.

He added: "The main reason I applied was that every year, my kids and students asked why I haven't done it.

"Getting to the finals is the hardest test a chef can put themselves through and I don't think people realise how long a journey it is, but my wife and kids have been with me every single step of the way, so it's been brilliant."

"Winning MasterChef: The Professionals is totally unbelievable. The whole experience was remarkable and enjoyable from start to finish. I have met some amazing people, both in front of and behind the camera. The support I have received from family and friends has been humbling.

"Hopefully, taking part has shown that if I can still chase my dreams, I can inspire students to start chasing theirs."

Maclean still plans to continue teaching, saying: "Winning MasterChef: The Professionals is going to provide me with a unique platform that hopefully will open the door to some very interesting opportunities.

"I would love to use my experience in the competition to help enhance the profile of culinary education.

"If I was to dream the perfect project alongside teaching it would be doing more TV.

"I absolutely loved the environment and the teamwork it takes to pull something like this together. I have so much respect for the people that worked on the show. It's a very similar bond between the team that you would find in a very good kitchen, amazing to be part of."