Episode 8

The hunt for the champion continues as Gregg, Monica and Marcus put four new chefs to the test to determine who can withstand the pressure of the MasterChef Kitchen. The daunting Skills Test is followed by a chance for them to show off their own food in the Signature Menu round.

Marcus's Skills Test is first up, and the first two chefs have just 20 minutes to prepare and cook lamb neck with baba ganoush, a pomegranate vinaigrette, and toast. Along with faultless meat cookery, the chefs will be expected to deliver Middle Eastern flavours that pack a punch.

Monica challenges the last two chefs with an absolute classic - apple tarte tatin with a calvados crème anglaise. Will the chefs have the skill to pull off some classic French pastry techniques, or will their apple tarts leave a sour taste in the judges' mouths?

Next, all four professionals get to size up their competition as they each deliver their two-course Signature Menu. It's their chance to show they mean business and have what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Only the two most talented chefs will make it to the quarter-final and continue in the battle to take the MasterChef: The Professionals trophy.