Episode 17

Knockout Week continues, and the second group of eight remaining amateurs return to MasterChef for the opportunity of a lifetime – the chance to cook in their first professional kitchen. To get there, they will need to dig into their repertoire for some killer culinary ideas, as their first task is a daunting Invention Test. The larder is open for business with some stunning fish, poultry, meat and veg ready to be scooped up and turned into something outrageously good. The three who impress the least will lose out on the ultimate culinary adventure.

The five who manage to keep it together and win the judges over will head off into unfamiliar territory as they get their first taste of life as a professional chef. The successful five will earn their stripes at Joia restaurant, which overlooks Battersea Power Station. Under the watchful eye of Portuguese head chef Jose Jara, it will take every ounce of focus for the competitors to impress diners with dishes that celebrate the food of Jose's cultural roots.

John and Gregg will be keeping a close eye from the dining room and hoping the cooks can knock it out the park. At this stage of the game, any mistakes could come back to haunt them as the race for the MasterChef 2024 trophy forges on.