For the week's six best chefs, this is where the battle really begins. First they must prove to Michel and Gregg they have what it takes with a dish of their own invention. Choosing from a beautiful array of fresh produce including clams, whiting, john dory, poussin, fennel, girolles and thyme, they must dazzle the judges with just one course. Only the best four chefs go on to showcase their skill to three of the UK's toughest restaurant critics.

The critics are expecting two exceptional courses, and the chefs have only an hour and a quarter to produce an outstanding menu that will determine their MasterChef future.

Only the two most skilful chefs go through to the semi-finals, standing a chance of becoming this year's Professional MasterChef.