The second batch of this week's professionals are waiting in the wings, ready to prove themselves in the MasterChef kitchen. Two challenges await, so any jitters must be calmed, as they'll need every ounce of culinary skill to be on show.
First stop on their journey is the daunting skills test. Marcus will be asking two chefs to prepare an aubergine steak glazed with miso and soy, served with a peanut sauce. Balancing strong flavours is an art in itself, but the chefs will also need to watch their timings and ensure their aubergine cookery is up to scratch.
The next two chefs will need to be a dab hand at pastry work, as Monica is hankering for a lemon meringue tart with a zesty lemon garnish. They'll have the tart cases provided, but there are several other elements needed to make the perfect tart, including getting a lemon curd made, set and cooled before any assembling can take place. Plenty of technique, and some classic cookery, will no doubt keep the chefs busy.
Having dusted themselves off, the chefs will then get another chance to shine as they are given 90 minutes to deliver their signature menu – a main course and dessert that show the judges what makes them tick and proves them to be a real contender for the title.
Marcus, Monica, and Gregg will then assess how well the chefs have performed overall and present their verdict. Only the strongest on the night will move forward in the competition, with a place in this week's quarter-final.
