Episode 11

It's the last chance for MasterChef novices to enter the arena, as six new amateurs give their all to win the right to wear a gleaming apron. Get through this round, and an incredible journey awaits as the quest for the MasterChef title continues.

First up, John and Gregg are after a dish that celebrates an everyday ingredient and puts it on the pedestal it rightly deserves, turning it from Basic to Brilliant. The creations include influences from Italy, China and South Africa. Whether they taste any good is another story. That's down to John and Gregg who must pick the best two and hand over the ultimate kitchen accessory – the MasterChef apron – and their ticket straight into the next round.

It's not over yet for the other four, as they can still progress by proving to John and Gregg that they can think on their feet. Each of them has been presented with a butternut squash. Their job is to deliver a tasty plate of food in 45 minutes that wows the judges and celebrates this versatile ingredient. After the tasting, one more will be leaving the competition.

It's then time for the four apron wearers to return to their cooking station ready to make their ultimate two-course menu. They will also be feeding three hungry diners – all MasterChef champions in their own right: 2013 champion Natalie Coleman, 2018 champion Kenny Tutt, and 2021 champion Tom Rhodes. It's a tall order for the hopefuls, who have just 75 minutes on the clock. Nothing will get past these guys, and only cooking of the highest order will be worthy of praise.

Armed with the diners' input, it will be down to the judges to deliver their verdict and choose the three amateurs to continue in the race to become MasterChef champion 2024.