PREVIEW: Masterchef: The Professionals Festive Knockouts

Some of the most memorable chefs from past series return to compete in two festive-themed specials, in a year when the hospitality industry has faced the most critical time in its history.

Episode One

Returning to cook for judges Monica Galetti, Marcus Wareing and Gregg Wallace are 2014 finalist Danny Parker, 2017 finalist Louisa Ellis, 2009 finalist Marianne Lumb and 2018 semi-finalist William Chilila.

They are first set a skills test by Monica to prepare some festive canapés. This is a chance for them to show the judges how their careers have progressed since they took part in the competition, and to show off their skill, flair and imagination using seasonal ingredients.

Episode Two

2011 finalist Steve Barringer, 2019 finalist Exose Grant Lopo-Ndiga, 2018 finalist Oli Martin and 2019 finalist Olivia Burt return to cook for judges Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace.

Their skills test involves coming up with a dish inspired by Christmas leftovers. Here, they can catch up with judges and show them how their careers have progressed since taking part in the competition. Then the chefs must impress the judges with a seasonally themed two-course menu that reveals their culinary personality, technical skills, creativity and mastery of flavour.

Then they must impress the judges with a seasonally themed two-course menu that reveals their culinary personality, technical skills, creativity and mastery of flavour.

Masterchef: The Professionals Festive Knockouts airs Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th December at 8pm on BBC One.