*Update: Having given it her best shot, Lindsay finally decided that a chef's life was not for her, and gave up the course. 'Lindsay handled her decision really well and talked frankly to Jamie and myself about it, before writing to us explaining her reasons.' says training development manager Tony Elvin. Having already travelled for a while before she joined the Fifteen team, Lindsay is now preparing to don her rucksack once again.

Tell us a bit about your life before you joined the course?
I started A'levels but decided it wasn't what I wanted to do, so I dropped out and went to the US for a while. I came back and did waitressing jobs and enrolled in a cookery school near me, but then I heard about Jamie's course and got on that.

Which three words best describe you?
Content with own company, focussed, smile a lot.

Have you always wanted to be a chef?
I started to think about it in the last couple of years. Not really about being a chef – I suppose I didn't really think women were chefs.

Where did you do your work experience?
The Capital in Knightsbridge, then a week at Le Caprice in Green Park and then time at Passione in Charlotte Street.

What has been the highlight of your training?
When we cooked for 200 people at Babington House in Somerset. We had the whole group together and we all do get on really well.

What has been the worst point?
It's little things. I've had to travel into London each day, which has been hard, and I've had to miss things like friends' birthdays because I've been working. I'm getting used to working in the evenings.

What is the most important thing you have learned on this course?
Just to be honest. If you don't know how to do something, don't pretend you do – just ask someone.

What is your proudest moment?
When we finished our NVQs, we all cooked a meal for our families and were presented with a certificate. That was great.

What is the hardest bit about the course?
The hours.

What would you like most about being a chef?
I love the cooking, and when I know what I'm doing and I've nailed it down, that's a great feeling.

Do you cook at home? Do you cook for other people now?
When I get a chance, I cook for my mum, and I've cooked for my nan when she came round.

What is your favourite food ? Can you cook it?
I like everything. My dream dish would be comfort food – like my mum's cooking. Anything cooked with love.

Tell us a secret about yourself, something away from cooking
I love to dance. I used to do ballet and modern when I was little and I want to do it again now I live in London. I think there is a similar feeling to being on stage when you're in the kitchen. It's a performance.

What do you hope to do in the future?
I can see myself in the cooking industry, maybe starting my own catering business.

How would you describe Jamie Oliver?
He's lovely – very nice and cheeky.