As the hospitality industry faces another year of unprecedented challenges, MasterChef: The Professionals showcases the range of culinary talent across the next generation of chefs in the UK. Renowned chefs Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti preside over the UK's premier cooking competition alongside judge Gregg Wallace.

In tonight's first heat, the first four professional chefs arrive to make their mark in the MasterChef kitchen and to stake their claim to the coveted trophy. With their reputations on the line, their knowledge and experience are tested as they face the infamous Skills Test. Marcus challenges two chefs to prepare the British classic bangers and mash, served with a beer and onion gravy, in just 20 minutes. This seemingly simple dish has the potential to trip up the chefs, as small details are key to its success. The other two chefs take on Monica's test, monkfish with a pea and bacon ragout. This dish is all about timing and holding your nerve under pressure.

In tonight's second heat, four more professional chefs from around the country attempt to make their mark in the MasterChef kitchen and stake their claim to the coveted title. With their reputations on the line, they face two tense challenges, after which two will progress to this week's quarter-final and two will be sent home.

First they face the infamous Skills Test. Two of them take on Marcus's challenge to prepare pan-fried scallops, cauliflower velouté, croutons and a curry butter. The others face Monica's dessert challenge, a chocolate crème pâtissière-filled swiss roll served with a raspberry sauce. Each has just 20 minutes to get all the details right.

Then the chefs get the chance to showcase their individual cooking style as they prepare two standout Signature Dishes – one main and one dessert. This is a chance for the chefs to make up for any mistakes made in the Skills Test and to show the judges what they are made of. Only the two best chefs will retain their places in the competition.