The sixth series of MasterChef: The Professionals 2013 continues as Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr and Monica Galetti and seasoned diner Gregg Wallace search for a culinary talent exceptional enough to take the 2013 coveted title.

It’s the fourth heat week and eight ambitious chefs from all over the country begin their bid when they face their first test set by Monica – the Invention Test.

In tonight’s challenge the eight chefs must make one dish using a section of just seven ingredients: pork sausage, spinach, squash, Gorgonzola, walnuts, apples and almonds. But before they get their chance, Monica cooks a dish for Gregg from the same ingredients, in the same amount of time - just one hour. It’s a terrifying demonstration of the standard of food she expects and what is possible in the time.

Next it’s the eight hopeful chefs turn to create their dish. They must hold their nerve and take the opportunity to catch the judges’ attention from the start, but for the right reasons.   For now, they are all safe but the group of eight is split and tomorrow night the first four chefs return to face three more tests - Monica’s much feared Skills Test followed by Michel Roux Jr’s demanding Classics challenges. After this both Monica and Michel decide who has earnt a place in the Quarter Finals and who will be leaving the competition for good.

 Tuesday 26^th November

In tonight’s one-hour show, four of the eight chefs from yesterday’s heat return to face three daunting tests, before Monica and Michel decide their fate.  It’s their last chance to show they are serious about the competition before one of them is sent home. First up it’s one of the most terrifying tests in the competition – the Skills Test. Monica and Gregg ask the chefs to debone a saddle of lamb and roll and tie it ready for roasting. They have just ten minutes to show off their butchery skills, keep a steady hand and tie the meat under Monica’s glare. Failure to impress Monica will mean their chances of staying in the competition could be in serious jeopardy.

Next, the chefs face Michelin starred legend Michel Roux Jr for the first time when he sets them two Classics Tests. First Michel cooks a Mackerel Tartlet with classic chive buerre blanc, a dish he first came across as an apprentice. The chefs have one hour to recreate his dish from a basic recipe that contains no weights and measures. Under pressure, this recipe will test the chefs’ pastry work, fish preparation and knowledge of the classic French sauce.

Finally, in their last chance to impress, the four are asked to cook their own choice of classic dish for Michel in just one hour, before he is joined by Monica to decide which chef will leave the competition.   Only the best three chefs will go through to the Quarter Final and move a step closer to winning the title of Professional MasterChef.

Wednesday 27^th November

In tonight’s one hour show, the remaining four chefs from Monday’s heat must show off their culinary ability in a series of daunting tests before one of them must leave the competition. First they must keep a cool head in Monica’s terrifying Skills Test before facing Michel Roux Jr’s Classics challenges. Then Monica and Michel will come together to decide which chef will leave the competition. In tonight’s tough Skills Test Monica and Gregg ask the chefs to make a crème patissiere and use it as base for a soufflé. With just 15 minutes the chefs have no choice but to work fast if they are to get the perfect rise and deliver a dessert that the judges are happy to eat. If they have failed to impress Monica so far, this is their last chance.

Next, the chefs face Michelin starred legend Michel Roux Jr for the first time when he sets them two Classics Tests. First Michel cooks a traditional French recipe of “Lamb’s Kidneys in a Three Mustard Sauce with a Savoyard Potato Cake” before giving the chefs one hour to replicate it. With no weights and measures and an unfamiliar recipe, this is the chance for the chefs to show off their knowledge and instinct and create a dish worthy of being judged by Michel. Finally, the four are asked to cook their own choice of classic dish for Michel in just one hour, before he is joined by Monica to decide which chef will leave the competition. Only the best three chefs will go through to the Quarter Final and move a step closer to winning the title of Professional MasterChef.

Thursday 28^th November

This week’s six best chefs return for the Quarter Finals. With just two places in the semi-finals up for grabs, this is where the battle really begins. First the chefs must show Michel and Monica that they have what it takes with a dish of their own invention. Choosing from a range of ingredients including bone marrow, kid goat, oysters and whelks, mangos, white chocolate and dates they have one hour to cook a sweet or savoury dish good enough to propel them into the next round. Only the best will do because after this first challenge Monica and Michel will send two chefs home.

The best four chefs then face their most nerve racking test to date - they must showcase their skills to three of the UK’s toughest restaurant critics: William Sitwell, Tracey MacLeod and Jay Rayner. With only an hour and a quarter, the remaining chefs must deliver a jaw dropping two-course menu - their MasterChef future depends on it. Only the two most talented chefs will go through to the Semi Finals and stand a chance of becoming this year’s Professional MasterChef.  

>>> Read our feature on past MasterChef: The Professionals winners here

>>> Read our interview with last year's joint winner Keri Moss here

>>> Read Danny Kingston's blogs on the series so far here , here and here

>>> Read more about Masterchef: The Professionals 2013 here