Episode 12

The last quarter-final has arrived, and with it come the standout chefs of the week, who are ready to impress with even more culinary wizardry. Deliver across two tasks tonight, and they might just nab one of the last places in knockout week. Fail to show much progress, and it could be curtains.

First, there's an opportunity to create something original as the chefs tackle the invention test. On their benches lies a box housing an everyday ingredient – mince. They have a variety to choose from, including lamb, chicken, beef and pork. If they want to, they can use them all, but having raided the larder, they must produce a dish that proves they can hit the heights of the chefs already through to knockout week. Anything substandard will put them at risk of going home.

Those who falter still have one more chance to redeem themselves, as all four will next be cooking for the judges, along with three fabulous guests: restaurateur April Jackson and food critics William Sitwell and Tom Parker Bowles. One hour and 15 minutes to cook two courses that will keep them on track for MasterChef greatness and cement them in the minds of the illustrious diners.

The judges ultimately have the final say and reveal which chefs have done themselves proud and are deserving of a place in knockout week. With such high stakes comes an even higher standard of cooking. The hunt for this year’s champion leaves the heats behind and hurtles towards even more ambitious challenges.