MasterChef: The Professionals is back for its ninth series. Celebrated MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace, revered and sometimes feared chef Monica Galetti and two Michelin-starred Marcus Wareing are together once again in their search for the UK's finest cooking talent.

Six new chefs begin their bid for the coveted Professional MasterChef title as they take on two challenges set by the judges. First they face the infamous skills test, and then with a dish of their own choosing, they must prove to Monica, Marcus and Gregg that they have the talent, flair and commitment to reach the top. Only the strongest three chefs will go through to the quarter-finals.

The first three chefs begin with a skills test set by Monica. They have 15 minutes to make a sea bass ceviche. Not only do they have to display their finely-tuned knife skills, they then have to produce a knockout marinade to finish off the dish.

The remaining three chefs must complete a skills test set by Marcus, who examines their butchery skills and subtlety of flavour, when they are asked to cook a pork chop and grain mustard sauce. With 15 minutes on the clock and all three judges watching, even the simplest sauce can slip away from a nervous chef.

In the final challenge, the six chefs come together to cook their own signature dishes. A tried and tested recipe of their own design, this is their big chance to either redeem themselves after the skills test or continue to impress, in an hour and 30 minutes of career-defining cooking. At the end of the test, the judges will decide which three chefs will be sent home. Only the best three will be put through to the quarter-finals and continue in the battle to be crowned MasterChef: The Professionals Champion 2016. Show less