The first six chefs compete, and tests include making a duck dish in 20 minutes flat. Next, the contestants have a chance to redeem any earlier mistakes when they cook their own signature dish for judges Monica Galetti, Gregg Wallace and Marcus Wareing. In 75 minutes, they must showcase their creativity, palate and personal style. It is also their final 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.

The six strongest chefs from the heats compete in the first quarter-final, beginning with an invention test to create a unique dish using spices. After this, two hopefuls get sent home, leaving the others to cook a two-course dinner for three critics - William Sitwell, Jay Rayner and Grace Dent. However, judges Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti will ultimately decide who deserves a place in the next round.