Tom Checketts is a British chef known for his career as a yacht chef and for appearing on the reality TV show Below Deck Mediterranean.
He gained attention for bringing his culinary skills to the luxurious yachting world and for his relationship with cast member Malia White during the show.
His mix of British charm, strong cooking background, and adventurous spirit makes him stand out. Move below to read more about Tom Checketts.
Who is Tom Checketts?
Tom Checketts is a well-traveled British chef best known for joining the cast of Below Deck Mediterranean in its fifth season.
He gained recognition not only for his culinary talent but also because of his relationship with Malia White, the show’s bosun.
Tom stands out for his solid culinary foundation, having trained as a pastry chef and worked in high-profile kitchens such as Gordon Ramsay’s.
His career spans luxurious yachts across the globe, cooking in some of the world’s most scenic locations.
What makes Tom unique is his mix of high-end culinary skills and rugged yachting lifestyle, along with a candid, sometimes hot-tempered personality that viewers saw on television.
His dishes are creative and beautifully presented, earning respect from guests and colleagues.
Tom’s combination of skill, charm, and reality show drama brought him popularity beyond traditional culinary circles.
Early Life of Tom Checketts
Tom Checketts was born on January 11, 1984, in London, England, and is British by nationality.
From a young age, Tom was immersed in the world of cooking, as both parents were chefs and the family had a strong love for food.
Summers spent with his grandparents, who taught him how to grow fruits and vegetables, deepened his appreciation for fresh ingredients and the culinary arts.
At just 14 years old, Tom began working in a local restaurant washing dishes, which marked the start of his journey in professional kitchens.
Tom was inspired by London’s lively culinary scene, which led him to specialize as a pastry chef. He worked in top UK restaurants, including the renowned Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea.
His passion for exploring new flavors and cultures led him to travel across Europe, gaining experience in the French Alps, Switzerland, Austria, and Portugal.
Tom’s family background was not without challenges. His father struggled with alcoholism and left when Tom was young.
His mother, who was also a chef, discouraged him at times to make sure he took his culinary career seriously and pursued it the right way.
Despite these obstacles, Tom’s early life was marked by hard work and determination. He built strong skills and discipline, which eventually led him to the yachting industry.
For over nine years, Tom has worked as a head chef on luxury yachts, combining his culinary expertise with a love for travel and adventure.
Tom Checketts Age
Tom Checketts is 41 years old as of 2025 because he was born on January 11, 1984.
Throughout his culinary career, he has combined youthful energy with extensive experience, allowing him to thrive in demanding professional kitchens and yacht galleys.
Tom Checketts Education
Tom Checketts trained as a pastry chef in the UK, benefiting from formal culinary education combined with rigorous hands-on experience.
He worked in some of London’s finest restaurants, including under Gordon Ramsay, where the environment was tough and demanding but instrumental in developing his skills.
Throughout his education and career, Tom consistently enhanced his abilities by working in Michelin-starred kitchens, high-end chalets, and luxury yachts.
His learning continued informally through diverse experiences in the French Alps, Switzerland, Austria, and Portugal.
This blend of formal training and practical world exposure helped him master classic and contemporary culinary styles suited to both restaurant and yacht environments.
Tom Checketts Professional Journey
Tom Checketts started his culinary career washing dishes at 14 before advancing to pastry chef training.
Early experience in high-profile London kitchens, including those run by Gordon Ramsay, exposed Tom to intense work environments with long hours and exacting standards.
These experiences set a foundation of discipline and adaptability.
Tom’s adventurous nature led him to work across Europe in ski resorts and luxury chalets, interacting with wealthy clients and learning the lifestyle of the rich and famous.
This prepared him well for the yachting industry, which he entered around 12 years ago after a recommendation from a yacht engineer friend.
Tom saw yachting as an exciting way to travel while growing professionally.
His yachting career includes roles as head chef on several superyachts, serving discerning guests across exotic locations.
Tom handles pressures like last-minute guest demands, large onboard parties, and the condensed space of yacht galleys with creativity and resilience.
His ability to deliver high-quality, innovative meals on demanding schedules earned him a strong reputation.
In 2020, Tom joined Below Deck Mediterranean Season 5 halfway through after the previous chef left.
He had to quickly adapt to the team and show his skills while navigating personal dynamics, especially given his relationship with crew member Malia White.
Despite occasional conflicts and stress incidents on camera, Tom impressed fans with his culinary expertise and determination.
Post-show, Tom continues working as a yacht chef, showing his dedication to the profession.
He also competes actively in Ironman triathlons, reflecting his commitment to fitness and discipline beyond the kitchen.
Is Tom Checketts a Michelin Star Chef?
Tom Checketts is not officially a Michelin Star chef but worked in Michelin-starred restaurants during his early career, such as those run by Gordon Ramsay.
His training in these prestigious kitchens has greatly influenced his culinary skills, even if he has not personally held a Michelin Star as head chef.
Tom Checketts Girlfriend
Tom Checketts is currently single. His most publicly known relationship was with Malia White, the bosun on Below Deck Mediterranean, whom he dated during and shortly after Season 5 of the show.
This relationship drew attention because both appeared together on the show, sharing parts of their romance with viewers.
However, after the season aired, they broke up in 2020. Malia revealed that Tom allegedly cheated on her while they were living apart during the pandemic, which led to the split.
Since then, Tom has kept his personal life private, with no public reports or confirmations of a new girlfriend or romantic involvement.
Tom seems to focus on his career as a yacht chef and his personal passions, such as competing in Ironman triathlons, rather than public dating.
Why did Malia and Tom Split?
Malia White and Tom Checketts split after Season 5 of Below Deck Mediterranean and its reunion aired.
Malia revealed that Tom allegedly cheated on her while they were working on different yachts during the pandemic.
The long-distance relationship struggled with trust issues, leading to their breakup. The split was reportedly difficult for Malia but necessary for her personal well-being.
Are Malia and Tom Back Together?
Malia White and Tom Checketts are not back together. Since their breakup in 2020, there has been no public indication of reconciliation. Both have moved on with their personal lives and careers separately.
Tom Checketts Net Worth
Tom Checketts net worth is estimated to be around $500,000 USD as of 2025. He primarily earns money as a professional yacht chef.
He works as a head chef on luxury yachts, preparing high-quality meals for wealthy clients and guests.
Yacht chefs typically receive a salary, which can be supplemented with tips and bonuses based on the size and exclusivity of the yacht and charter.
In addition to his yachting career, Tom gained public recognition through his appearance on the reality TV show Below Deck Mediterranean.
This exposure may bring additional income opportunities such as paid appearances, endorsements, and promoting culinary or lifestyle brands.
Tom is also known for his participation in Ironman triathlons, which might lead to sponsorships or partnerships related to fitness and sports.
Overall, Tom’s income combines his skilled culinary work, reality TV fame, and potential brand collaborations.
Tom Checketts Height and Weight
Tom Checketts is approximately 5 feet 9 inches which is equal to 175 centimeters or 1.75 meters tall. He weighs around 72 kilograms which is equal to 159 pounds.
Tom maintains a fit and athletic build, necessary for his active lifestyle and demanding chef role on yachts. He has fair skin, dark hair, and a clean professional appearance.
Social Media Presence
Tom Checketts is active on Instagram, which was once public and featured his culinary creations, travels, and personal interests.
As of 2025, his profile is private, likely due to personal privacy concerns following public attention on his breakup with Malia White.
Despite being private, he retains a dedicated following. Tom also shares occasional updates on fitness platforms like Starva, reflecting his interest in triathlon training.
Final Line
Finally, Tom Checketts’ story is one of passion, resilience, and constant growth.
From washing dishes as a teenager to working under world-renowned chefs and eventually becoming a respected yacht chef, Tom’s journey reflects dedication to his craft and a love for adventure.
His time on Below Deck Mediterranean brought both professional recognition and personal challenges, showing the reality of balancing intense work with personal relationships.
Tom’s career is an inspiring example of how hard work, creative thinking, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead to success.
His commitment to fitness and exploration off the boat demonstrates a well-rounded approach to life.
Readers can learn from Tom’s persistence and adaptability, understanding that passion and grit are key ingredients for any career or personal goal.
Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences about Tom Checketts in the comment section below.
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