Masterchef: The Professionals 2015 returns for its eighth series and is once again is looking for chefs with the talent and ambition to make it to the top of their industry.

Last year’s MasterChef: The Professionals 2014 winner Jamie Scott received the title after an intense cook-off with finalists Sven-Hanson Britt and Brian McLeish. 

Jamie said: "I would recommend it to others but I wouldn't take it easy, there’s a lot of pressure and a lot at stake; it’s not for the faint-hearted but it was an amazing experience.”

Long established as one of the top professional competitions in the country, judges Michelin-starred Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace continue to push contestants to prove they have the ability and passion to cut it in the world’s best kitchens.

Head judge Marcus is chef patron and owner of three restaurants including the two Michelin starred Marcus, and has worked in establishments such as Le Gavroche, The Savoy and Daniel Boulud’s Daniel’s.

Monica Galetti is the senior sous chef at Le Gavroche, where she has worked for 16 years, having started as a commis chef in 1999 and Gregg Wallace is a TV presenter, writer and former greengrocer. He started his career on BBC 4’s Veg Talk and was the original presenter of Saturday Kitchen in 2002.

>>> Read more about Monica Galetti here

To apply you must be aged 20 or above on May 1 2015 and have the right to live and work in the UK (including Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands) You also need to have worked for at least two years as a chef in a professional kitchen and/or have the required NVQ qualifications. Applications close at the end of April. See the full list of rules here, and apply here

>>> Read more about Masterchef: The Professionals 2015 here