Tonight's programme sees three contestants crossing spatulas in the first semi-final. They are: Rachel Southall , a nurse from Sheffield;
Brian Tompkins , a Northamptonshire optometrist; and Richard Kuch , a Lincolnshire hairdresser.
Loyd Grossman is joined by Jean Marsh , actress and creator of The House of Eliott, and chef Raymond Blanc who help choose the first finalist. Producer Richard Bryan
Executive producer Bradley Adams
A Union Pictures production for BBCtv
MAGAZINE: all the recipes from the series are in the 15-part Masterchef Menu Collection, £1.75 from newsagents.