Alex, 22, is from one of the most famous food families in Cork
13:02, 12 Feb 2026Updated 19:23, 16 Feb 2026
Alex Whelan, 22, will feature in new TV series The Heat
A Cork man will be among 10 ambitious chefs heading to Spain for a new TV cooking competition with a twist. New reality series The Heat will feature professional young chefs from across the UK and Ireland as they work in an exclusive new restaurant at the glamorous Port Vell Marina in Barcelona.
ITV has described the “umissable” new series, which will be aired in hour-long episodes, as being a perfect blend of food and juicy reality TV, packed with “fresh” and “spicy” twists. When dinner service is finished, the cameras keep rolling as viewers get a glimpse into the professional and personal lives of the hopeful chefs as they work under multi-Michelin Star award-winning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli – and navigate romance, friendship and conflict both in and outside of the kitchen. The series will start at 9pm on Tuesday February 24 on ITV2 and ITVX.
Ballymaloe House is regarded worldwide as a ‘culinary haven’ in East Cork
Among the contestants is Alex Whelan, who was born and raised in Ballymaloe, East Cork. Alex is a grandson of Myrtle and Ivan Allen, who founded the world-renowned Ballymaloe House. He is the son of head chef Dervilla O’Flynn and the family is famous for its generations owning and running the highly respected restaurant and cookery school.
Alex, 22, is described as being a confident and self-assured chef who lets work and ability do the talking Outside of the kitchen, Alex is a popular young man who is no stranger to light-hearted banter on a night out and is known for his natural charm and a cheeky smile. In the trailer for the series, the young chef is spotted sharing a kiss.
He began his career in the family restaurant, reporting directly to his mum as head chef, before he headed off to work a ski season as a chalet chef. Now, he’s keener than ever to prove himself. He’s left Cork for London, gaining experience as Chef de Partie at Straker’s and later working at Lyles. Alex’s ultimate ambition is to return home, take the reins of the family restaurant, and reclaim his great grandmother Myrtle’s Michelin star.
The series is hosted by model Oliva Attwood and other contestants range from social media star chefs and celebrity children to budding cooks from diverse backgrounds, Michelin-star experience, and even a criminology student-turned-foodie.
Hosted by broadcaster Olivia Attwood, The Heat sees ten ambitious chefs travel to Barcelona to working under multi Michelin Starred chef Jean-Christophe Novelli(Image: ITV)
Host Olivia Atwood dished on what telly fans can look forward to saying: “The rivalry and the romances that unexpectedly unfold in the evening! We were completely caught off guard when things started to heat up during filming. Aside from the location, I’d also say, me, I’m in some pretty hot outfits which I hope everyone enjoys. But the heat in the kitchen, in every sense of the word, is pretty explosive.”