Masterchef UK: The Professionals

Each chef begins with the dreaded Skills Test. Under the watchful eye of all three judges, the initial moments for any competitor are nerve wracking, as their knowledge, palate and experience are weighed up in this infamous first assessment.

Tonight the first three chefs face the terrifying prospect of tackling a Skills Test set by Marcus. In just 15 minutes they must showcase their knife skills and butchery knowledge by preparing and cooking a Hanger Steak and a Chimichurri Sauce.

The six chefs are challenged to invent a dish centred around one key ingredient. This week Monica has selected coconut

The remaining three chefs face a test set by Monica. They will have to steady their hands to tackle this challenge - two very refined and delicate Scotch Eggs made with quails' eggs. They only have 15 minutes to mince, boil and fry their way to glory.

The next three chefs have been given 20 minutes by Monica to make her 'Baked Alaska'; the knack with this classic is stopping the ice cream interior from turning into a puddle while the baking of the Italian meringue takes place.

Only the three most talented chefs will go through to Knockout Week and continue their pursuit of the MasterChef: The Professionals 2018 title.

Marcus sets a task for the next three chefs that could catch them off guard - he would like them to make a Chicken, Bacon and Mayonnaise Sandwich. The simplicity of this dish belies the depth of skill that will be on display from the chefs.

The six chefs must complete the Signature Dish round. It's their chance to showcase their cooking style and creativity using their very own recipes.

he six chefs are asked to invent a dish centred around one key ingredient - this week Marcus has chosen vanilla.

For the next three chefs Monica has chosen the famous 'Oyster Rockefeller' as her test. This buttery herb crusted baked shellfish dish has been around in many forms for over a century, but the chefs won't get very far if they don't have the knack for shucking the oyster at the off.

When the last three chefs step in to Monica's test, they are faced with chicken carcasses, which form the basis of the dish they have 15 minutes to cook - Glazed Chicken Oysters with Pomme Puree.

Every chef will have used eggs in a myriad of ways but how can they creatively elevate this ingredient to become the star element of the dish.

The first challenge for the 12 chefs is to cook against each other in the most intense Invention Test of the competition. They need to impress the three judges with one spectacular plate of food created from a heaving table of fresh sweet and savoury ingredients.

Having proved themselves as individual chefs in the competition so far, this is a chance for the judges to watch first-hand how the chefs work in a team. Who will shine through as a true creative?

The chefs have two and a half hours to collaborate as a team to design and cook their special menu, which will be served to the President, Professor Dame Jane Dacre, and her five VIP guests

The remaining chefs must return to fight again in the MasterChef kitchen to secure one of the remaining four places in the next round. They face an Invention Test where they are tasked with creating one unique and flawless dish.

The first eye opener for the chefs is to see Michael cook one of his signature dishes - 'Lobster Fricassee with a Lobster Bisque and Summer Vegetables'. Understanding the intricacy and inspiration for the dish is key as Michael turns the tables and throws down the gauntlet for the chefs, he wants them to create their version of his dish for him to taste.

The chefs will join Paul's dedicated brigade and take responsibility for one dish each to be served during a packed service in his prestigious Michelin starred restaurant.

The first challenge the four chefs face in The Finals is the once-in-a-life-time chance to cook at one of the most prestigious events in the UK culinary calendar - The Chef's Table.

The three finalists will now have the ground breaking opportunity to learn from Anne Sophie Pic and her elite team.

Tonight is The Final of MasterChef: The Professionals 2018. MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace and two of Britain's leading chefs, Michelinstarred chef Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti are within touching distance to finding the 2018 champion. Just one career defining cook off remains before one of the chefs takes the crown.