It's the last chance for MasterChef novices to enter the arena, as six new amateurs give their all to win the right to wear a gleaming apron. Get through this round, and an incredible journey awaits as the quest for the MasterChef title continues.

First up, John and Gregg are after a dish that celebrates an everyday ingredient and puts it on the pedestal it rightly deserves, turning it from Basic to Brilliant. The creations include influences from Italy, China and South Africa. Whether they taste any good is another story. That's down to John and Gregg who must pick the best two and hand over the ultimate kitchen accessory – the MasterChef apron – and their ticket straight into the next round.

It's not over yet for the other four, as they can still progress by proving to John and Gregg that they can think on their feet. Each of them has been presented with a butternut squash. Their job is to deliver a tasty plate of food in 45 minutes that wows the judges and celebrates this versatile ingredient. After the tasting, one more will be leaving the competition.

It's then time for the four apron wearers to return to their cooking station ready to make their ultimate two-course menu. They will also be feeding three hungry diners – all MasterChef champions in their own right: 2013 champion Natalie Coleman, 2018 champion Kenny Tutt, and 2021 champion Tom Rhodes. It's a tall order for the hopefuls, who have just 75 minutes on the clock. Nothing will get past these guys, and only cooking of the highest order will be worthy of praise.

Armed with the diners' input, it will be down to the judges to deliver their verdict and choose the three amateurs to continue in the race to become MasterChef champion 2024.

MasterChef 2024 has reached the final week of heats, and this time there's a twist. To celebrate the 20th anniversary, ten familiar faces have been invited back to battle for the title for the second time in Comeback Week. They will face two challenges specially designed to see just how much they have progressed since their last visit. This is an opportunity that none of them will want to waste, as only the best six will earn a place in the last quarter-final.

The first five re-enter the MasterChef arena hoping to redeem themselves. It won't be an easy ride, as John and Gregg want to see how far they have come by way of their two best plates. Each dish will need to demonstrate top-notch execution and exquisite flavours. The comeback crew include a fire-breathing circus performer and a DJ, so creativity and performance from the group should get off to a flying start.

All five will need to keep their wits about them as they head straight into their next task, and this time it's all about the classics - think beef bourguignon, a roast dinner or even fish and chips. They will need to produce one dish based on a classic of any origin that captures its essence and demonstrates why it is so loved. Can the competitors turn the traditional up a notch, or will they push things too far? Joining the judges will be one of the country's most exciting cookery talents and a past MasterChef: The Professionals finalist – Matthew Ryle. Matthew is not only trained in the classics, but is now executive chef at Maison Francois in London, where he delivers a menu that celebrates classic cookery at the highest level. He's also taken his cookery prowess online and has achieved a following of over 1.6 million. The comeback contestants will need to pull out all the stops if they want to live up to Matthew's expectations.

With every morsel scrutinised, the final decision will be left to John and Gregg, who will pick their best three cooks of the night. They will head into this week's quarter-final, while the other two will experience déja vu and say goodbye.