ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½

It’s the second heat of the week, and the next group of amateurs, including a nurse, an accountant and a landscape gardener, are bravely taking on the challenge. It’s all to play for, with their efforts rewarded with a MasterChef apron and a shot at a place in the quarter-finals.

The hopefuls waste no time in getting to work as they are asked to transform an everyday ingredient from Basic to Brilliant. The dish should deliver on all fronts but must highlight the chosen ingredient – which include carrots, peas and chicken. The contestants will have 80 minutes to show what they’ve got. It’s happy days for the creators of the two best dishes, as they will storm into the next round wearing a sparkling new MasterChef apron.

The Mystery Box awaits for those competing for the last two aprons. Under the box lies three ingredients, and they must use at least one to create a delicious plate of food. Cauliflower, bacon and pear are on offer. Combining all three could either be a risky move or demonstrate an imaginative and skilful touch. The top two will nab their apron and head into the next round, while for the other cooks, their dream of winning the trophy will be over.

The heat culminates in the biggest task yet, as the four left standing cook a two-course menu for three incredible guests – MasterChef champions Jane Devonshire (2016), Irini Tzortzoglou (2019) and Shelina Permalloo (2012). If the amateurs can control their nerves and deliver food that delights the diners, they will stand a chance of coming out on top. If panic sets in, it could be game over.

The dining room’s comments are taken into consideration and the standout menus on the day are chosen. The strongest cooks will return for the quarter-finals, where the pressure truly ramps up.