Episode 3

MasterChef: The Professionals is back for its ninth series. Celebrated MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace, revered and sometimes feared chef Monica Galetti and two Michelin-starred Marcus Wareing are together once again in their search for the UK's finest cooking talent.

In this first quarter final, the six strongest chefs from the heats attempt to impress Monica and Marcus in two challenges. First, they tackle the new Reinvention Test. Only the four most talented chefs go on to cook for the restaurant critics.

In this first quarter-final, the six strongest chefs from the heats are challenged with the brand new reinvention test, where the chefs have to refine and reimagine a great British classic - the roast chicken dinner. With an array of ingredients, they have to cook something standout to elevate their dishes beyond their competitors'. They need to think quickly and showcase their creativity and technical skill in one impressive dish, because after this first challenge Marcus and Monica will send two chefs home.

The best four chefs go on to cook their food for three of the UK's toughest restaurant critics. For the first time renowned critic Fay Maschler joins the table along with William Sitwell and Tracey MacLeod to pass judgement on the dishes, and to give an unrestrained account of the chefs' culinary prowess. With only an hour and a quarter, the chefs are pushed to their limits as they attempt to produce a jaw-dropping two-course menu - their MasterChef future depends on it.

Only the three most talented chefs will go through to knockout week and continue in the race to become this year's MasterChef: The Professionals Champion.