Masterchef 8

Episode 1 (2012)

MasterChef returns for its eighth series, with more fantastically talented amateur cooks who want to test their kitchen skills and take a shot at lifting the coveted MasterChef Champion title. Thousands of applications were scoured, and a short-list of the country's most talented amateur cooks were invited to cook for John Torode and Gregg Wallace. Each created a spectacular dish, which John and Gregg tasted in the isolation of the MasterChef dining room without watching the cooks themselves, their processes, techniques or skills.

Episode 2 (2012)

It is the second of the heats, as the next eight hopefuls pick up their knives and show off their culinary skills. Who will prove that they have what it takes to line up with the successful contestants who have already made it through? First they must overcome the notorious Invention Test and prove that, in only an hour and 15 minutes, they can deliver an amazing plate of food with no planning.

Episode 3 (2012)

It is the final heat, and the last eight hopefuls fight for the remaining coveted aprons and a place in the next round. Who will prove that they have what it takes to line up with the other contestants who have already made it through? First, they have to show off their skills in the Invention Test. With only one hour and 15 minutes to create a dish from scratch, it will mean the end of the road for two of the contestants.

Episode 4 (2012)

MasterChef judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace set a truly daunting challenge for the contestants as they continue their search for this year's best amateur cook. The remaining 12 amateur cooks have a baptism of fire as they face each other in the MasterChef kitchen for the first time. Not only do they have to be at the top of their game to ensure good food on time, but their guests for this pressure cooker of a challenge are a group of people who know exactly how high the MasterChef standards are - a selection of previous MasterChef winners and some of last year's finalists.

Episode 5 (2012)

Only 10 contestants remain in the cookery competition, and now they must face the Great British public for the first time. Judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace set the exceptionally tough task of creating fantastic food in a field. Divided into two teams of five, the contestants have their work cut out for them as they prepare an elegant lunch for 100 patrons of the Jane Austen Festival on The Royal Crescent in Bath.