Heat eight sees four more professional chefs from around the country attempt to make their mark in the MasterChef kitchen and stake their claim to the coveted title. Only the two strongest performers will go through to this week’s quarter-final. Firt they face the Skills Test, under the watchful eyes of all three judges. Two chefs face the first test, set by Marcus Wareing. They must demonstrate classical technique and precise fish preparation skills as they prepare and cook squid with a herb vinaigrette on toast with a red wine sauce. The other two chefs take on Monica’s pastry test. They need to make a coffee caramel poached pear served with a smooth praline cream and a muscovado crumb. Will they crumble under the pressure? Then the four chefs return to the kitchen to cook their Signature Dishes. They have one hour and 30 minutes to deliver a main and a dessert good enough to cement their place in the competition. The two who fail to impress will be sent home.