MasterChef: The Professionals 2016 is back for its ninth series which will air on BBC2 on Tuesday, November 8.

Marcus Wareing, who holds two Michelin stars in the Michelin Guide UK 2017 for his restaurant, Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti, formerly of the two Michelin star restaurant, Le Gavroche will be returning as judges alongside MasterChef presenter, Gregg Wallace.

This year 48 chefs will face the rigours of the MasterChef kitchen before one chef is crowned the culinary superstar of 2016.

Monica Galetti, who is due to open Mere in January with her husband, 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.”

The show will begin with 48 chefs from across the country who will take part in a series of heats during the first four weeks to determine which six will make it through to the quarter final and cook for Alyn Williams at The Westbury and George Blogg, Head Chef at Gravetye Manor. These will then be whittled down to the final four who will travel

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to Oslo in Norway to cook in the three Michelin starred Maaemo, with Head Chef Esben Holmboe Bang.

>>> Read about Monica Galetti's new venture here

A series of tests will be devised by Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti and presenter, Greg Wallace to test the contestant’s skills and creativity. This will include the reinvention test, which is new to this series, an invention test and a series of formal dinners which will include a dinner at the French Embassy, a set of vegetarian courses for the Royal Medical Society and finally The Chef’s Table where they will be required to cook for some of the country’s top chefs who hold over 30 Michelin Stars between them, as well as some of the series’ previous champions.

Marcus Wareing said: “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 and Jamie Scott from Scotland was crowned the champion in 2014.

>>> Read more about MasterChef: The Professionals 2016

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