Ninth series of MasterChef: The Professionals to air from 8 November
This year, the demanding, professional-level contest will see the final six chefs - whittled down from an initial 48 - cook with Michelin-starred chef Alyn Williams at the Westbury, or with chef Geroge Blogg at Sussex hotel Gravetye Manor, with the final four overall going on to travel to the three-Michelin-starred Maaemo restaurant in Oslo, Norway, to work under head chef Esben Holmboe Bang.
The 21-episode show begins with 48 chefs as-yet-unrevealed chefs from across the country, who will take part in a range of heats designed to test skills, creativity and confidence under pressure.
Tests set by Wareing, Galetti and additional presenter and former greengrocer Gregg Wallace, will include skills tests, invention tests, signature recipe tests, and at least three formal dinners – including at the French Embassy, a vegetarian menu at the Royal Medical Society, and the prestigious Chef’s Table event, which will be attended by some of the UK’s best chefs, holding 30 Michelin stars between them.
Commenting on the new series, Galetti – who is set to open her own venture, Mere, in January ‒ said: “I cannot wait to see what these chefs can do this series. This is a huge opportunity and they’re going to have to be at the very top of their game to stay in the competition.”
Wareing ‒ whose ventures include the Michelin-starred Marcus at The Berkeley ‒ added: “This is a fierce contest and I’m expecting it to bring out some incredible cooking from these chefs. I’m looking forward to seeing them flourish under the pressure.”
Last year’s winner was Mark Stinchcombe, joint head chef at Eckington Manor in Pershore; while in 2014, Jamie Scott from Arbroath in Scotland took the top prize.
