While completing his music degree at Cardiff University, Rich saw Marco Pierre White filming on the high street and had an epiphany. 'I'd always had an interest in cooking, it was my way of relaxing while studying. When I saw Marco, I was in awe. I went up to him to say hello, and he had such a presence - but was so friendly as well. I thought: "I wanna be like him!".'

Without any formal training, Rich sought experience at local restaurants on Anglesey including The Marram Grass and, soon after, was offered a coveted position in Knightsbridge, London as Head Patisserie Chef of Michelin-starred restaurant Marcus.

After gaining invaluable experience (and after a lot of hard work), he decided to return home and make a new name for himself on the island where he was brought up. Rich took ownership of Melin Llynon windmill in Llanddeusant and, in 2019, established a successful tearoom on site, where he served world-class patisseries.

The pandemic posed myriad challenges to the business but with his ingenuity - and with support from the local community and his family, who are now part of the enterprise - Rich ensured that Melin Llynon not only survived, but thrived in the face of adversity.

The young entrepreneur and his team have expanded the old windmill's horizons by creating a variety of popular products including gin, Siocled and Mônuts (with customers, including fans of his TV series, queuing for hours just to try one of his otherworldly doughnuts). This will be the second time Rich puts a group of budding Welsh bakers to task in The Sweet Academy!

TRIVIA: Rich loves his dogs (two lurchers named Nim and Millie), playing and collecting guitars (he's a big fan of Fenders and John Mayer), learning about the history of Anglesey, and is a classic car enthusiast - in particular Land Rovers and Aston Martins!

DREAM DINNER GUESTS: Gordon Ramsay and Jimi Hendrix (RIP).