Episode 18

The semi-finals draw to a close, with just five remaining chefs ready to face two challenges. The contenders dig deep into their culinary repertoire as they cook for one of the UK’s biggest gastronomic talents, for whom the devil is truly in the detail. They then fight for their place in finals week.

For their first task, the five professionals are whisked off to the stunning Scottish Highlands, where, nestled in the Strathearn Valley, is the Glenturret Lalique restaurant, run by maestro Mark Donald. Mark undertook extensive two-Michelin-star training under the late Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles and Claude Bosi at Hibiscus. He has since gone on to achieve the same status. In 2021, the Glenturret was awarded its own two Michelin stars for cuisine that aligns stunning local produce with Mark's cutting-edge techniques.

To understand Mark's cuisine further, the professionals face a true baptism of fire when they assume rank in Mark's brigade and quickly get ready to deliver lunch service. The menu includes some of Mark's signature dishes that helped garner his accolades, a playful take on a British classic – venison smoked on a barbecue – and a dessert with nine complex elements. To stand any chance of success, the professional chefs need to muster up every ounce of culinary prowess they have, whilst also maintaining focus and composure.

After a whirlwind trip, and fully inspired by Mark’s passion, it’s back to the MasterChef kitchen, where the five face off against each other for a coveted place in finals week. Their brief is to cook a dish dedicated to someone special who means the world to them. The chefs have an hour and 45 minutes to give this dish heart, soul and even more creative endeavour.

Then it's crunch time as the judges taste each plate and work out which chefs are strong enough to make it into finals week. One chef won’t make the cut, and next comes the pinnacle of the remaining contestants’ MasterChef: The Professionals experience so far – the last week of the competition, where the highest level of skill and flair is expected.