MasterChef 2008 winner James Nathan already owns a restaurant in Spain, say reports.

Nathan, a former barrister, purchased the property two years ago but has been unable to open it because he has been denied a permit by Spanish authorities.

However, a spokesperson for the BBC Two show has denied the claims, insisting that Nathan never used the property for anything other than making food for friends.

They said: "James has never worked nor owned or run a restaurant. Prior to appearing on the programme James bought a building in Spain with the ambition of turning it into a restaurant, but he was unsuccessful.

"Now with the experience he has acquired on MasterChef he hopes to realise his dream."

Nathan triumphed over Jonny Stevenson and Emily Ludolf in the final of the cookery contest last Thursday.