´óÏó´«Ã½

The heats continue, with four more fearless chefs facing the pressure of the MasterChef kitchen. If they manage to impress the judges, they might just find themselves with a place in this week’s quarter-final.

Technique will be needed in spades, as first up is the infamous skills test. The first two competitors will need to take on Monica’s challenge – twenty minutes to rustle up a mushroom and ricotta ravioli with hazelnut cream and a wild garlic oil. Will the chefs manage to deliver perfectly formed parcels and a filling of exquisitely balanced flavour? The pressure is truly on.

The last two chefs face a skills test set by Marcus. Their job is to prepare a courgette flower stuffed with prawn mousse and served with a red pepper compote and prawn oil. This is another incredibly delicate task that requires precision cooking, with some classical techniques thrown in for good measure.

Those that don’t meet expectations need not despair just yet, as they will have another chance to redeem themselves cooking their two-course signature menu – a main and a dessert that reflect their style and skill. It’s their own food, so Gregg, Marcus and Monica will be hoping for perfectly executed dishes they can’t help but polish off.

It’s decision time for the judges who will decide which chefs have earned the right to a place in this week’s quarter-final. Only the best can make the cut and still be in the running to become MasterChef: The Professionals champion 2024.