Episode 9

It’s quarter-final time again, where the strongest chefs discovered throughout the week come together to do battle once more. The tasks get more challenging, and the judges more demanding. After all, there are places in knockout week for those who manage to impress.

First up is an invention test where the goal is to make a surprise ingredient uncovered by the contestants at their bench really stand out. They might feel some sense of relief when they find out it is chicken. However, they won’t find any chicken breasts, just the thighs, legs, hearts, livers and wings. They can raid the larder, but this dish needs to scream chicken. Coming up with an inventive take on chicken off-cuts with just 70 minutes to cook and serve is a tall order.

An even taller order follows when the chefs cook their most scrutinised plates yet for Marcus, Monica and three of the biggest food writers and critics in the country: Leyla Kazim, Jay Rayner, and Xanthe Clay. These guests know a future star when they see one, so it’s a great opportunity for the chefs to be noticed. All that’s needed is a two-course menu packed with the skill and flavours that set them apart from the pack.

Taking the diners’ feedback on board, the judges will have the ultimate decision of which chefs have knocked it out of the park and deserve a place in knockout week, where the hunt for this year’s champion continues in spectacular fashion.