Episode 9

The six strongest chefs from the week's heats attempt to impress Monica and Marcus in two high-stakes challenges in this quarter final. Only the three most talented chefs will go through to knockout week and continue their pursuit of the MasterChef: The Professionals title.

First the chefs face this series' new challenge - the judges' favourite ingredient test - where the six chefs are asked to invent a dish centred around one key ingredient. This week Marcus has chosen vanilla. With a whole range of ingredients to choose from, the chefs have the flexibility to wow the judges with their ingenuity and creativity. They must try to keep the distinct flavour of vanilla key to the dish without it overpowering everything else. With 10 minutes to select the ingredients and 70 minutes to cook, the chefs' dishes need to really stand out as only four chefs will get the
chance to cook for the critics. For the other two, it is the end of the competition.

The four remaining chefs now face a test that has seen even the best crumble under the pressure - the critics test. They must cook their own two-course menu that will be scrutinized by the judges and three of the UK's most experienced food critics - Jay Rayner, Grace Dent and Tom Parker Bowles. They have just one hour and 15 minutes to turn out eye-catching dishes with faultless flavours.