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Six more amateur cooks kick-start their MasterChef adventure as they go all out to get their hands on their very own MasterChef apron, before battling for a place in this week’s quarter-final.

Making a good first impression is key as the contestants will be tasked with taking an everyday ingredient from Basic to Brilliant. John and Gregg will be expecting their chosen ingredient to shine on a plate that shows personality and great flavours. Will their ingredients be the stars or understudies of the show? The two who can wow the judges the most will get their hands on a gleaming white MasterChef apron and whizz straight through to the next round.

The four who impress the least will need to prove their MasterChef worth as they are challenged to think on their feet. The cooks will each be given two whole quail, but who will turn the majestic game bird into a complete dish that sets the judges’ pulses racing? They have a range of protein, fruits, veg, grains and spices to choose from as they endeavour to create something truly spectacular. With just two more aprons left, it is now or never.

Just one more challenge awaits the four still standing – a chance to cook their best two-course menu for the judges and their invited guests. Sampling the contestants’ dishes will be MasterChef champion Simon Wood and finalist Tony Rodd from 2015, and 2012 MasterChef champion Shelina Permalloo. Now is the time for the contestants to lay all their cards on the table, as these diners will expect nothing short of restaurant-standard food that makes their taste buds tingle.

Armed with the diners’ input, John and Gregg will deliver a verdict that sees another contestant leave the competition. The other three become quarter-finalists, where they will encounter their biggest challenge yet.