It's heat two, and the second group of four chefs arrive to kick-start their MasterChef adventure. It will take every ounce of chef know-how to deliver across two tough challenges. Nerves will need to be checked at the door if they hope to impress.

Monica's skills test is first, and two chefs are asked to prepare popcorn clams, a mussel fritter, and a Bloody Mary mayonnaise. With two types of batter, deep-frying and pan-frying, the chefs will need a steady hand to nail this brief.

Marcus is up next, and the last two chefs are tasked with making a cheeseburger. Not to be fooled into thinking this is easy, the contestants are faced with a vast selection of ingredients, including a variety of meats and seasonings. They can be as creative as they like, as long as the result is a perfectly formed burger that sets the judges' taste buds alight.

If any fail to deliver, they still have a chance to redeem themselves with their signature menu: two sterling courses that demonstrate a copious amount of skill, matched with a great palate. The best on the day will earn a place in this week's quarter-final as the hunt for this year's MasterChef: The Professionals champion continues.

The heats continue, with four more fearless chefs facing the pressure of the MasterChef kitchen. If they manage to impress the judges, they might just find themselves with a place in this week's quarter-final.

Technique will be needed in spades, as first up is the infamous skills test. The first two competitors will need to take on Monica's challenge – twenty minutes to rustle up a mushroom and ricotta ravioli with hazelnut cream and a wild garlic oil. Will the chefs manage to deliver perfectly formed parcels and a filling of exquisitely balanced flavour? The pressure is truly on.

The last two chefs face a skills test set by Marcus. Their job is to prepare a courgette flower stuffed with prawn mousse and served with a red pepper compote and prawn oil. This is another incredibly delicate task that requires precision cooking, with some classical techniques thrown in for good measure.

Those that don't meet expectations need not despair just yet, as they will have another chance to redeem themselves cooking their two-course signature menu – a main and a dessert that reflect their style and skill. It's their own food, so Gregg, Marcus and Monica will be hoping for perfectly executed dishes they can't help but polish off.

It's decision time for the judges who will decide which chefs have earned the right to a place in this week's quarter-final. Only the best can make the cut and still be in the running to become MasterChef: The Professionals champion 2024.