Episode 14

Knockout week continues as the ten remaining professional chefs are split into two groups. The contenders step out of the MasterChef kitchen to compete in the real world once again. They cannot leave anything on the table, as the one who impresses most will see their efforts rewarded and move a step closer to becoming this year's champion.

It’s the turn of the first group of five, who head to Boxhall in central London to meet Marcus and Monica for their first challenge. The venue might just give the game away, as the MasterChef: The Professionals pop-up restaurant once again opens its doors. Pop-up restaurants have been on the scene for a while, but the diversity of food on offer is truly off the scale. Each chef must prepare a single dish to seriously impress 25 specially invited diners - the cream of the crop when it comes to pop-up success. Not only will the guests taste the chefs’ creations, they will also vote for their favourite dish, sending one deserving contender straight through to the semi-finals. Perfecting plates that pack a punch will be key to unlocking the next level of the competition for one chef.

The diners’ decision is revealed back at the MasterChef kitchen, where the four who fail to come out on top will cook again. This time, judges Matt, Monica and Marcus want them to prepare a family favourite - a dish with meaning that evokes emotion and is, above all, semi-final-worthy. The contestants will be flooded with memories that have inspired the food, and the three who impress the judges the most will become semi-finalists, while one chef must leave the competition.

The contenders are being whittled down, as just four will forge ahead in the race to become MasterChef: The Professionals Champion 2026.