Episode 4

Expect twists and turns as the MasterChef kitchen opens its doors for the second week of heats, welcoming 12 amateurs from all over the UK to take on the challenge.

Six more amateurs set out to prove their worth as they battle for the right to wear just four coveted aprons and take one step closer to this week's quarter-final. Their first stop is the brand new challenge - Basic to Brilliant. Using an everyday ingredient, the contestants must create a dish that not only puts the ingredient front and centre, but also tastes incredible. One thing is for certain - these dishes must sing with potential. John and Gregg will reward the cooks of their two favourite dishes with MasterChef aprons and a place in the next round.

It's not over for the remaining four, as they are given one more shot at staking their claim on an apron, but this time they must face the Think On Your Feet round, an invention test with a difference. They will be briefed to recreate a classic recipe of floating islands – a perfectly poached meringue island sitting in a sea of creamy custard and topped with caramel. They then have free reign to embellish their dish in any way they see fit using a range of ingredients including fruits, nuts or even a touch of booze. Will they deliver a twist on a classic that makes the judges hop with glee, or will they be left stranded? The two standout contestants will nab the last two aprons.

The strongest four amateurs will then come together once more for their first taste of cooking their own menus on MasterChef. They must deliver two courses in one hour and 15 minutes for John, Gregg and three specially invited guests – 2022 champion Eddie Scott, finalist Pookie and 2020 finalist Claire Fyfe. All three have gone on to forge careers in food and will be expecting the contestants' menus to be executed to perfection. Will they play it safe, or go all out to impress?

There are only three places in this week's quarter-final up for grabs, meaning one more cook's MasterChef dreams will be left behind and the remaining three will push through to next-level cooking.