Episode 17

Tonight, the competition intensifies as the last four chefs battle it out for a coveted place in the final. They face two demanding challenges, and their food will be scrutinised at every turn by the judges and the UK’s top food critics. Only the most exciting and brilliant three chefs will make it through to the all-important final cook-off.

First, each finalist is asked to create a dish inspired by a place close to their heart. When you eat amazing food, you remember where you were, and now they must transport the judges through the taste of their food. Imagination, technical excellence and delightful flavours are the order of the day.

Then, the chefs face a new and formidable challenge when they are asked to cook a show-stopping dish of their own creation for a dining room full of some of the UK’s leading food critics. Jay Rayner, William Sitwell, Leyla Kazim, Jimi Famurewa and April Jackson gather with high expectations and an appetite for spotting talent. The chefs have cooked for critics before, but now they must deliver on a whole new level, as this time the critics will help judge who deserves a place in the final three.

In the kitchen, the chefs have two and half hours to create their dish. They need to give it everything they’ve got, serving up a plate of food that showcases their ambition, mastery of technique, culinary knowledge and refined palate. In short, they need to cook the best food of their lives.