Celebrated MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace, reputed chef Monica Galetti and Michelin-starred Marcus Wareing search for the UK’s most exciting cooking talent of 2019. Over seven weeks, 48 professional chefs face the rigours of the MasterChef kitchen before one is crowned this year’s culinary superstar.

In tonight’s heat, six professional chefs drawn from far and wide put their reputations on the line to stake their claim to the coveted title. The chefs face two daunting challenges, after which three chefs will be sent home and the strongest three will go through to this week’s quarter-final.

Each chef has to face the dreaded skills test. Under the scrutiny of all three judges, the initial moments for any competitor are nerve-wracking, as their knowledge, palate and experience are weighed up in this infamous first assessment.

Tonight, the first three chefs take on the terrifying prospect of tackling Marcus’s crab omelette arnold bennett - they have 20 minutes to either hold their nerve or find themselves in a terrible scramble.

The next three chefs have to dig into their pastry repertoire when Monica asks them to create a puff pastry and vanilla mousseline layered dessert. A steady hand and a sweet tooth are a bonus to succeed in this tricky test.

In the second round it is now down to all six chefs to wow the judges with a dish of their own design. They have a chance to save face and turn their fortunes around when they cook their own signature dish for Monica, Marcus and Gregg. In an hour and 15 minutes, they must inspire the judges with their flair, skill and personal style. It is their chance to show off their culinary talent before the judges decide which three are sent home and which three go through to this week’s quarter-final. Show less