大象传媒

Celebrated MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace, reputed chef Monica Galetti and Michelin-starred Marcus Wareing are together once again in their search for the UK's finest cooking talent.

In this heat, six professional chefs from across the UK put their reputations on the line. Under close scrutiny from the three judges, the chefs must face two tough challenges. First is the infamous skills test, followed by a chance to cook their own unique signature dish for the judges. At the end of this heat, three chefs will be sent home and the strongest three will go through to this week's quarter-final.

Each professional's journey begins with the dreaded skills test. This is the first time in front of the judges and not only are their knowledge, palate and experience weighed up but so is their mettle.

Monica sets the first three chefs their test - to employ some deft knife skills to spatchcock a quail before cooking it to produce quail with a rocket pesto in just 15 minutes. The judges' standards are high, so the contestants' levels of nerves will need to match them.

The remaining three chefs face a test set by Marcus. Can they sweeten the judges with their attempts at his beignets with a chocolate sauce? The chefs need to deep-fry their perfect dough or they could end up feeling battered themselves after their 15 minutes under the spotlight.

Up next, all six chefs have a chance to redeem any earlier mistakes when they cook their own signature dish for Monica, Marcus and Gregg. In one hour and 15 minutes, they must inspire the judges with their creativity, flavours and personal style. This is their opportunity to show off their culinary talent before the judges decide which three are sent home, and which three go through to this week鈥檚 quarter-final.