Radio Times

There are three levels of MasterChef: Celebrity, where school dinners will usually do; the main series, where "cooking doesn't get any tougher"; and the Professionals, where the cooking, um, gets even tougher.

Then again, you wouldn't have known you were watching professional cooks in Monday's series opener. Asked to spatchcock a poussin (a phrase I can't help thinking sounds vaguely rude), one contestant apparently heard "in the style of Jack the Ripper" because he slashed the tiny bird to pieces, stopping just short of slinging its guts over its shoulder.

It was no surprise, though. The pressure is the one thing that really does increase from the start on the Professionals. Pompous, bellowing John Torode makes way for Michel Roux Jr's icy sous-chef Monica Galetti. Her facial expressions as the contestants butchered their birds (and in some cases their chances) were enough to curdle anyone's lemon curd.

But that was only the first stage. Success in this round entitled the three remaining chefs to cook for Michel Roux Jr himself.

Son of Albert Roux (Michelin-starred founder of historic London restaurant Le Gavroche) and nephew of culinary deity Michel Roux Sr, Michel Jr has been steeped, nay basted, in a lifetime of gastronomic experience. So he really knows his onions. And his soufflés. And his spatchcocked poussins.

Michel, as we have seen on previous series of the show - and during guest appearances on other incarnations of MasterChef - is a reasonable man. His comments are always considered and constructive and he rarely fulfils the "angry chef" stereotype perpetuated by Gordon Ramsay and his ilk. So when Michel tells you that "I certainly wouldn't want that served up in a restaurant. In fact, I wouldn't want it served up at all, anywhere," you know your goose is cooked - even if your poussin isn't.

It's always a joy to have MasterChef back in the schedules, perhaps even more so this version. John and Gregg's shouty, soundbite schtick is entertaining for a while, but you need a break from it. Watching Michel Roux Jr instead of Torode is like swapping a McDonald's Happy Meal for dinner at Le Gavroche.

Met Ryan today, didn't know he worked at fifteen. Great fella, not at all like he appeared

Have to agree with the comments about Marianne, would have been much more interesting to see Ludwig battle it out with Steve. Ok the guy had a bad round in the 1/4's but so what, she had a bad round every round...i was shocked to see her even get to the 1/4's. Its good to know that Steve And Daniel will prosper under the Guidance of Tristan Wells and Miche Roux Jnr respectively.

Why doesn't the BBC put on a Michelin star masterchef programme for comic releif. It would be great to see all the Michelin starred chefs trying to prepare and exucute a meal of someone else's choice for a group of food critics. (Particularly if the critics didn't know who was doing the cooking!) I'm sure it would be immensely popular - and VERY entertaining!

loved the series and thought all three finalists were fantastic but the best guy won on the day and it was the right choice but can someone please tell me where I can get the recipe for baked pineapple???

I totally disagree with Jaybee. I thought Daniel was the weakest and it was a close thing between Maryanne and Steve. Of course without being able to taste the food, we can only judge by what it looks like and the whether we like the ingredients. They all seem like very talented chefs and I hope that they all do well. It would be nice to know what happens to them after the show and what Steve actually won apart from the title.

The right man won with his inspirational, quirky dishes. Daniel has it in him to be a great chef and I am delighted to read that he ahs been offered a job at Le Gavroche where he will prosper under the direction of Michel Jr and Monica! Marianne was by far the poorest of the three finalists, too many errors in her presentation and she opted too often for the easy route. I had to wonder if her sex played a part in her getting so far in the competition. Mind you I would hire her to cook a fancy dinner for my friends any day.

Well now thats over, and I might add, the finalist with the least errors, apart from; buckling under timings or stress, depending on your view of things, won. All the finalists were there because of one reason, they can cook! Will we ever see what becomes of them or any of the others that have been seen, I wonder, could make for interesting TV especially if they still work in the industry, Food for thought (sorry) BBC

Gregg Wallace is a greengrocer: so is Lord Sainsbury. Get over it.

Marianne is clearly a great cook but she seems to have peaked. After twelve years as her own boss she seemed to go deaf every time Michel said the meat was underdone and carried on doing her own way. Personally I thought her meat dishes were cooked just right. What's the betting she gets a telly show?

Daniel started at the back of the field but lapped up all the advice and raised his game continually, which must have been very gratifying for the judges. Steve just edged him but surely Daniel will be snapped up with that talent. Everybody wins.

A couple of answers:

Monica Galetti is from New Zealand via Samoa.

You can only get a caul from an abattoir so ask your butcher or find a farmer's market where the meat supplier slaughters their own pigs. James Pacheco-Knight will feature in a spinoff reality show next year. Don't be surprised if we never see him and Steve Groves in the same room.

Yours pedantically

This was a really good series and absolutely benefited from having Michel in place of John. I'd be happy if they retain the pairing of Gregg and Michel in all future shows. I think the right man won the final, but they were all really very good. Something tells me that they will each benefit from the experience in terms of a career boost.

Congratulations to the winner although, they all seemed very skilled and able and I would happily eat anything any one of them put in front of me! I did notice a distinct lack of women at the Michelin star gathering. Whilst it was helpful to gain the views of 'star chefs' the one person I was looking forward to passing judgement was Monica Galetti (I think she was the only woman there!) and they didn't bother to ask her opinion. Still, I suppose the BBC's decision not to court her view was in keeping with the event. I was also disappointed by some of the personal comments made about Marianne on this page. God help her if she had bothered with 'hair and makeup'! Marianne must feel really proud of the fact that she went so far and clearly held her own. I think they will all be in a position to determine their own futures after this.

one question, because i missed the beginning of the series and they never seem to mention it. what's the winner's prize other than the title? a job offer at a michelin restaurant..? money..? 'just' the prestige of the title?

Congrats Steve! You totally deserved to win tonite! I really hope I will get the chance to try your food sometime in the future - it looked fab!!!!

The reason Greg tastes the food in the way he does is that like a wine taster... He allows the flavour to coat the correct parts of his snesors on his tongue. Yes he is a fruit and veg seller but hasnt he done well for himself!! Also brings a bit of normallity and balance to the show me feels.. keep Greg in I say!!

What happens to them afterwards? I would llove to know or even see a series with the previous winners of normal and professional master chef and what they got up too.. Tonites final was nail bitting I thought Dan had got it but as soon as I heard Michel Roux say about the inventivness and genius of one of them I knew it was Steve. I hope Michel keeps in touch with Dan though as they seemed to have a real bond

Loved tonights final and a worthy winner, he has been a different class to the others since he made it through to the final, I love the programme and the skill and enthusiam of all the finalists was wonderful viewing congrats Steve

I would love to eat at any one of their restuarants if they decided to start one. All very professional. Shame only one could win.

Did anybody see Steve in the audience of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday? Becuase I think he will be the winner and if he is that was a giveaway.

Marianne should win she has improved the most since the beginning

Whilst the judges rule with their heads a large number of comments are from the heart and miss the essential parts, it's not about looks, or charm but the potential and ability of each participant and should be judged accordinly.....the dishes are superb, the presentation improves at each roundbut the Judges, pandering to the cameras and ... doesn't anyone have a small piece of bread to clear the pallet before the next course?

I've loved the show. And I'm really sad it the last episode tonight. I love both presenters MRjunr and Gregg. I disagree with the negative comments about gregg, he's great. And its not like he's pretending to be somethings hes not like thoase awful food critics. Although I wouldnt get rid of them either - great show

i hope marianne wins!!! If dere was a fone vote, I wud vote her 50000000000000000000 times! Shes bound to win!!!! I love her nd if cud rate the food (and i tasted it) I wud give her 500000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

All 3 finalists are artists and winners. I don't envy the position of the judges. Only a minor blunder could make it easier for the judges to eliminate 2 great artists.

OMG!! tonites the final sooo...... I fink dat marianne is gnna win cuz her cookin is improving bnd so is her presintation and although last nite she didnt do that well, tonite i no she will do her very best! CMON MARIANNE!!!

Marianne for me. She is the most gifted & has learnt the most.

The chefs are sent to Chelsea FC to cater a pre-match lunch in a million-pound-a-year sports VIP box for guests including Kevin Pietersen MBE. What a bad-mannered person. They should have refused to serve him until he took his baseball cap off. A Michelin starred restaurant wouldn't have allowed him keep his cap on, so maybe he's not used to fine dining? A typical 'sports celeb' who's really only competent at one thing!

Yep, then finals week istoo long-winded but great viewing all the same. Steve will clearly always be innovative and cutting-edge and therefore will be snapped up by a top kitchen anyway. Marianne will continue to flourish in the private catering world as she deserves to, with ever-discerning (nay, fee-paying)wealthy clientele. This means that on my planet Daniel is the obvious winner because he can still be nurtured and sculpted into something even greater.

Daniel has my vote, unfortunately I can't taste the food and I don't have the opportunity to influence the decision. His passion for what he does and his ability to learn and improve are clearly evident and he seems so determined to build upon each experience. Whether the decision goes his way or not I'm sure that he has a great culinary future ahead of him. Well done.

I think Marianne is only there because she was so lucky with who she got in the heats before, good cook for home stuff if she could just manage to cook meat properly, not a scrath on some others we've seen in this series though. Michel Roux Jnr is great, would cook for him any day! My money's on Steve to win, very creative, fun and looks tasty - Although I still think Daniel could sneak in and grab the Title. I think the BBC should have a 3rd taster, an ordinary person off the street, different each program maybe, but someone who eats what we the public do and don't go to gourmet restaurants (to be honest, looking at the size of some those dishes I'd end up at KFC on the way home if I ever went out 'fine dining' and I'm so bothered by how much faffing goes on with the food, I don't want someone else's hands all over it before I eat it!)Someone to give a good honest 'normal' persons opininion anyway of what it really tastes like - Think about it BBC!

Lastly is anyone else bothered by just how much food is wasted in the 'fine dining' approach at a time when other programs on TV encourage us to do the reverse?!

Marianne clearly is the most capable chef of the bunch, albeit that she seems less used to working under pressure.

Steve...well lets just say he seems to do ok in the kitchen rounds when he has had time to *ahem* 'read up' on what he is going to prepare. He seems much less competant when asked to perform unawares, such as in the Sketch round.

Daniel is very likeable, but seems to lack a little knowledge over the other two.

Marianne ftw!

It would have been great to see a chef in the MasterChef final with the inventiveness, skills and personality of Ludovic Dieumegard! It's impressive to see a young chef who is happy to "let the food to do the talking", without feeling the need to kowtow to the TV cameras. It is possible that Ludo's confidence and abilities may have ruffled a few feathers - but don't all great chefs exude a sprinkling of arrogance? Having enjoyed the delights of Ludo's culinary expertise at Le Gallois in Cardiff, I'm sure his new venture at the Old Red Cow will prove a similar success - but it would be great to see his cooking receive some well-deserved plaudits at a top London restaurant! As the final progresses, it seems that Steve, Daniel and Marianne are just starting to understand the creativity, expertise and attention to detail expected by the superb Michel Roux Jr. At this stage it looks like Steve may be setting the pace, but surely "le pièce de résistance" would be to invite Ludovic back for that final end-of-series showdown!

Wishing Steve the very best of luck tonight - if he doesn't win there's something very dodgy going on!!!!

In previous incarnations of Masterchef there is a stage when the contestants cook for Michelin starred chefs and Michel was always the most harsh! He's a pussycat in comparison for this series as co-host.

Yet again Maryanne has done her routine of 1.Looking like she's going to burst into tears 2. Undercooking meat for the 4th time and getting away with it because Michel, being French, likes his meat that way 3. Flutters her eyelashes and makes some remark in that grating accent of hers about how inspired she is.

Good luck Steve & Daniel, you are both great! Marianne is so annoying! Not a patch on either of you, lacks inspiration as well as being so irritating. One feels she is there as they had to put a girl through.

Has anyone noticed how similar Steve is & how much he resembles the guy that took part in Raymond Blancs - The Restaurant Programme.... Steve looks & sounds like James Knight-Pacheco ... he was the guy that came runner up with Alisdair his mate in Raymonds last series ... they tried to run the resaurant in Marlow ... Please tell me its his brother ...? or cousin? please?...

Has anyone noticed how similar Steve is & how much he resembles the guy that took part in Raymond Blancs - The Restaurant Programme.... Steve looks & sounds like James Knight-Pacheco ... he was the guy that came runner up with Alisdair his mate in Raymonds last series ... they tried to run the resaurant in Marlow ... Please tell me its his brother ...? or cousin? please?...

Is Steve related to the runner up of Raymond Blanc's The Restaurant? They seem to look very similar.

My money's on Daniel. I believe his self belief and nerve will get him through. Please, not the gushing Marianne!

Marianne is by far the most naturally talented chef in the series, she deserves to win! It certainly seems she has won the respect of Michel Roux Jnr. Go Marianne!

Why, oh why have you dragged and stretched this programme out into a endless bore? It should have finished last week.The producers should be ashamed of themselves.

I am an avid fan and don't understand how marianne got into the finals when she is clearly inexperienced in cooking meat! As a mum of two that has always cooked i am unsure what the criteria for cooking good food is!! please explain as I wouldn't have served a lot of her food to my children let alone distinguished people!!!

Marianne could cook for me any day (is she single? ;-))

I think Michel Roux Jr comes across really well - he seems approachable (for want of a better word) and always seems to find a positive aspect of whatever is put in front of him. I'm no chef, but I don't think I'd be too intimidated to cook for him in the way that I wouldn't dream of cooking for some of the other TV chefs. At least you know Michel would be polite, even if he didn't like it!

I don't mind Gregg either; I find him quite entertaining, but I do wish he wouldn't shout quite so much!

My husband and I have watched every single series of Masterchef and cook with fresh ingredients every single day.We can't believe that Marianne is in the final when she can't even cook meat, when this is a fundamental part of cooking especially for professional!! Are the judges being paid?? if so how much is it worth to not put through a genuine chef!

I don't really understand why everyone says ludo deserved to be in the final, he didn't deserve to get past matt in the semi and had he been up against Steve or Daniel at that stage of the semi he would've gone out! As for the comments about inventiveness I think that all chefs take ideas from each other, ludo's oyster dish has certainly been done before.

I'd like to see Steve or dan win but think marianne will do it.

Marianne, over-rated and very annoying. Clearly she is out of her depth, regardless of her sex. \\\\\\\\she does not deserve to win

I am so confused!! I have watched every episode or so i thought!, of the new series. Last Thursday there was 6 contestants, monday 3!! what happened!!

Michel Roux should be offered the contract to take over the entire running of Masterchef. He utilises a lifetime of skill to constructively ctiticise. He encourages and cajoles each contestant and makes them relax and, ultimately improve. In a nutshell : his opinions are worth something.

Why we need Sir Shoutalot Wallace along for the ride is beyond comprehension. He simply repeats Michel's opinion because he knows he dare not contest it.

In Masterchef parlance Wallace is poorly presented and lacking in taste. Mr Wallace does not get better and better but his performance just gets tougher and tougher to take.

A lot of discussion between the merits of Steve vs. Marianne. Personally I'm routing for Daniel. I like his honest approach and you can see the guy wants it really badly. Although he has not set the judges palettes 'on fire' that often I would like to refer to the semi between him and Steve, where both produced such excellent food that they both got through. Unprecedented! He's been consistent throughout, with good and bad days (like both Steve and Marianne), but he's not almost poisoned anyone and has learnt and grown so much throughout the series. He's learnt from mistakes as well as successes and I have a feeling (and a hope) that Daniel may just sneak it. Don't write him off!

The chefs at Chelsea FC took so much trouble and Kevin Peterson sat down to the meal wearing a baseball cap. Does he not know better?

I'm glad to see that I am not the only one to pick up on Marianne's near poisoning of the judges.

Of course I was lambasted for pointing this out earlier, and assured that her family background is in butchery and she has worked very hard to get where she is. Unfortunately the competition is not judging her family background or work ethic, but the food produced under pressure. Somehow she has made it to the final, so maybe now she will show what she can do. Pity the better chefs in earlier rounds are not there now.

A most enjoyable series, and Michel Roux Jnr is excellent, critical but constructive, alway trying to leave the competitors on a positive note. However Michelin Star cooking deserves Michelin Star mannners. On Tuesday's show I was utterly disgusted at the behaviour of Kevin Petersen who wore some stupid baseball cap throughout the lunch. How insulting and rude to his host and fellow diners. Am sure that Michel Roux Jnr would not allow such loutish behaviour in his restaurant so shame that he did not take Petersen to task! Now that would have been entertaining TV.

I believe it would be absolutely brilliant to see a female winner, for a change. I am not a feminist, and not even female, but for me this week, Marianne has so far, out-performed the guys. Go Marianne! :)

Steve's jelly looked fantastic on tonights show. I could almost taste the flavour - the colours and presentation were great - come on steve - steve to win

The thing about Marianne is that, when all the hyperbole has hit the fan, anyone who puts a forkful of her food in their mouth damn near faints with joy. The "wow" in cooking is about tasting.

Generally have enjoyed this series. Steve is my favourite to win out of the three finalist - his food has really made me smile with the inventivness. But is it just my household who is irked by the over-use and mis-use of the word unctuous. It does mean having an oily or greasy texture doesn't it? I swear some of the foods they've described as unctuous certainly aren't meant to be oily. And since when did Michelin get pronounced as "mitchlen". It is a French word isn't it? But apart from bad English/French, a yummy series

acial expressions are so similar. I don't suppose they are any relation?s there only me who can see a remarkable resembance between Michel and Monica. The eyes and f

I think Ludovic and David should have gone through.

Steve an inventive Chef? You might find he got a lot of 'inspiration' for his sheet shop recipe from The FAT DUCK menu degustation. Good execution though.

Steve has been executing really well, although I am not sure of his "inventive genius". Many of his more 'out there' dishes do, I believe, find there basis in the books of the 'molecular-gastro' elite.

I can definitely understand the disappointed comments regarding Ludo. He genuinely seemed an innovative talent...and was for sure the most original chef.

Come on Marianne!!

I have enjoyed the latest series of MasterChef, but I share the disappointment of many others that the series final does not include the most talented chef in the competition. Ludovic is clearly a chef of considerable natural talent, dedication and flair. Feedback from the industry also suggests that Ludovic is considered the chef most likely to earn a Michelin star. Indeed, if Ludovic is prepared to consider a move to London, there are a number of well known restautants interested in employing his culinary talents. So why did Ludovic not make the final -- did he really play it too safe? Well, a little birdie tells me that some of the other contestants were a little intimidated by Ludovic's evident talents and the programmes producers were keen to maintain the ratings by avoiding a predictable outcome. On reflection, it is clear that Ludovic had easily shown enough throughout the competition to deserve a place in the final -- and if the judges really believed it was a close call, then both chefs should have progressed. Anyway, congratulations Ludovic and all the best for a bright future! Maybe the series producers will see the light and invite you back for a final showdown with the series winner...

I love Steve and his cooking! He's inspired me so much that I am looking forward to meeting him at the Good Food Show. He is always so calm and in control. His food is unusual and I would love to be able to taste it! Good Luck in the final Steve.

Oh My Goodness - Steve is such a inventive chef! His ideas are fresh and exciting. And I love that he's not afraid to try something new - his Sweet Shop Dessert was a marvel. His passion for food his so evident. Remember his name because I believe this man is going to go far!

Oh my goodness, you guys are putting it tough on poor old Marianne! So she undercooked a few things earlier on...she has put together some really great looking stuff...and seems to me to be very proficient. Certainly won the round at Sketch!

Think Steve will win the day, however. I think he's a bit cheeky as he is basically nicking stuff from the books of Adria, Achatz, Keller and Blumenthal...but if you are gonna nick stuff, might as well nick it from the best ;)

As for the standard of the competion, am I alone in worrying about some of the places I eat at now! My 9 year old daughter can cook better than some of these so called "professionals". :Oo

In response to Can't cook but love Masterchef, I am fairly certain you are thinking of Maze. Sorry if I'm wrong and hope that helps.

Does anyone know where Steve comes from? He reminds me of a young man who attended Tylers Green Middle School some years ago. It's his smile. He is my favourite

From previous years, I thought that Michel Roux partnered Greg Wallace in "MC The Professionals" whilst John Torode co-hosted the original, amateur "Masterchef". I sincerely hope John Torode will be back. His manner is warm, enthusiastic and engaged and he has a wide repertoire of comment - how flavours work together, thoughts on technique, how presentation improves a dish as opposed to the "marks out of ten" approach of the other two. Michel Roux, undoubtedly a culinary giant, is nevertheless a chilling presence. That's why I for one enjoy the amateur series so much more.

Steve's food is truly amazing. So glad that he and Daniel got through as they are both great but Steve is better. Marianne annoys the life out of me. How many times has she served raw meat. Sorry if her mum is reading this but it is true.

Go Steve we are all rooting for you - a true shining star

Steve is my favourite. I wonder where he comes from as he reminds me of a young boy who went to Tylers Green Middle School some years ago, he loved cooking. It's his smile.

Can anyone tell me if at the tasting of the food has greg given his view of the food first, it seems that he waits to see what Michel Roux says then copyies him, it would be good to see greg comment first and then see Michel Roux contradict him

please please help me out, what was the name of the tapas restarant that matt and ludovic did their kitchen challenge, i have searched the net for 3 hours now and can't find it, they did the signature dish with pigeon or quail with chocolate ganache i think...i can remember the names of the other 3 restaurants the chefs did their kitchen challenges in but not the tapas one...its driving me nuts..help!!!!

Shauna, any decent butcher should be able to provide caul fat. I know it's used in Wales and England to wrap faggots so you might have to investigate south of the border if you can't find any in Scotland.

It's also known as the greater omentum or lace fat. It's used to wrap some sausages as well.

I am surprised by all the negative comments about Greg - I really like him in the show. I watch every one of the masterchef programmes and love them all, but I often wonder what happens to some of the amazing contestants once the show's all over. It would be great to have a follow-up show once in a while to see what the future has held for some of them - winners and losers alike. Do they fulfil their dreams and ambitions, open their own restaurants, gain their michelin stars or even fail miserably in their quest to be a top chef? Then a book with recipes for some of the great grub we watch them cook.

Though I agree Matt performed better in the semis, I was such a shame to see the lovely Ludo get put out. He could come and cook for me any day - swoon. I agree with others' comments that Maryanne shouldn't have got through - either of the other guys would have been far better and, mistakes aside, cooked far better food. Did anyone notice in last night's episode when they were at the restaurant (something garden I think) cooking daudine (may have that spelled wrongly as I've never heard of it before), it was wrapped in a fine skin with membranes of fat through it. As far as I know it was caul fat, which is used to make the Greek dish, sheftalia. I have been trying for years to buy this in my area (central Scotland), but have so far failed and my butcher doesn't even know what I'm talking about. Does it have another name (I know the Greek is bana) or does anyone know where I might source some in Scotland?

I am SO pleased that the chefs haven't been humiliated. Even when things go wrong, Greg finds a positive note and Michel has been really good at mentoring them all - I think they will all benefit from this experience. Keep up the good work Greg and Michel.

Have been looking all over the web for somewhere to vent my extreme outrage at the grossly unfair result of last nights Masterchef, finally I have found somewhere to do just that. I am outraged and disgusted that that woman got through to the finals with a plate of Sunday roast the likes of which I could get at my local Wetherspoons on a Saturday none the less! Whilst her meat I believe was cooked well her presentation was a shambles. The dessert was not much better, far too much going on and not up to the standard required and expected at this high level of competition. Ahhhh I feel better now.

How much I agree with the comments about Marianne! That she should keep going through at the expense of more talented chefs is so unfair! Did anyone else pick up on the way, when she was pressed for time Michel was sympathetic, but the boys are harassed by him and Greg, even though they are clearly not hanging around.

PLEASE can someone help - I'm looking for the name/recipe for the whole baked pineapple done in one of the shows that was studded with vanilla, and can't find anything that resembles it on the internet - does nyone know what it' called?

Last night episode definitely made up for the early exit of Ludo. I think Steve is incredibly talented. I thought Matt outperformed Ludo in the quarter final but Ludo is a better chef. Does anybody know where he cooks ? If Ludo had been in the semi final he would have gone through to the final. Apart from Steve, no food yesterday was exceptional.

I thinks that it was a travesty that Marianne was chosen last night with that uninspired meal and messy dessert. I think Matt, despite the errors in his dish would have been a far better choice. I think Steve is amazing - his starter of smoked poached eagg and toast was truly inspired - you could see the excitement on the faces of Greg and Michel as he served it. I was disappointed that Ludovic went out in the semis. Although Matt deserved to win, Ludo showed great promise and cooked some inspiring dishes in earlier roads, which unfortunately, he failed to do in the semis. Come on Steve - I am routing for you!

I cannot believe that Marianne went through last night to the Finals. Let us not forget that on several occasions she has served raw meat to the judges and seems always to go for 'simple' menus, never extending herself. Matt should have gone through.

I cannot believe Marianne has made it! What is going on - she nearly poisoned everyone with her undercooked meat and now she has managed to impress with a very mediocre meal. Poor Ryan - he needed to do this and he was so focused - bad decision sorry! One more thing - don't you think Monica and her 'boss' Michel look alike - it's the eyes, yep definitely the eyes!

Is it me? or did we miss an episode of a semi-final this weekK

I have to say that, having undercooked at least 3 dishes, I am astounded that Maryanne has been allowed to progress to the final. Another thing I'm finding a little hard to accept is the odd comment from some of the aspiring chefs that they have neither worked in or eaten in Michelin starred establishments - surely you would eat there on occasion if for no other reason than to know what to aspire to?

Is it me? or did we miss an episode this weekend? What happened about the other showing of the semi?

It is an absolute TRAVESTY that Marianne got through. I watched the results in total disbelief. From the very beginning, she has produced bog-standard, scruffy, if not badly cooked dishes. The raw meat dishes should have had her out in the first place -- but nonetheless, she undeservedly made it through to the semi-finals, where, to form, she produced without question the worst meal. It was actually embarrassing to watch. Her main was meat and two veg, and looked totally unappetising. The critics were equally unimpressed, and commented on a 'tragic lack of attention to detail'... the ONLY good thing they said was that the meat tasted nice. So she basically served a few pieces of well-cooked meat. And this is Masterchef Professionals?? Then the dessert was a mess. If I buy some brownies, some ice-cream, biscuits and raspberries, and put it on a plate, does that qualify as quality, sophisticated and innovative? Does it heck.

To be honest, myself and partner were embarrassed for her, we watched thinking 'oh god', she's really shown the full weight of her deficiencies here, it's all a bit tragic. We thought, obviously, she would be the first out. The HUH??!? What on earth happened? She got put through to the final?!?!?

I personally think it's disgusting and an insult to the far more talented chefs that have been put out of the competition. I am totally put off continuing with the show as it has shown an absurd lack of integrity, and there's no point watching a show that's meant to be about talent, if it's got someone like Marianne in the final.

I like the show but playing the final bars of 'Layla' over the final judgement was pretty cheesy.

Re Jackie Galls comment, I'm Matt's Brother. Don't want to give away too much info here, but he works in a Country house hotel just outside Glamis on the coupar angus road. Hope this is enough to go on!

Matt is the sexiest man ever and he can cook i wonder if he's is single?!!

Steve has been my favourite from the start and should win. He is a rare talent.

Please can someone enlighten me as to why or how Marianne qualified for the final, her meat course looked like Sunday lunch and no-one complimented it, her pudding showed technical ability but bad judgement on balance...surely one the other boys should of gone through.

Hi there. Lovely Ludo cooks at Yr Hen Fuwch Goch (Old Red Cow)in Adpar just outside Newcastle Emlyn.

There's a Facebook page for the restaurant here:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Castell-Newydd-Emlyn-United-Kingdom/Yr-Hen-Fuwch-Goch-The-Old-Red-Cow/67504471574

I am trying to persuade my sometimesbetterhalf to take me there for dindin (and I don't necessarily mean turkey).

Leave Greg alone, we love him and his enthusiasm. Michel is a top class chef, Greg is Greg, don't change!

is it just me or does Ryan look like that Russian fighter from the Rocky films - Dolph Lundgren I think was his name - he doesnt seem to show any emotion whatsoever - great chef though!

Does anyone know where the Breton chef from Ceredigion is a chef?

cg - your comments are both ignorant and ridiculous.

Marianne's father was a high-class family butcher in the culinary shire of Leicester for over 30 years. Consequently Marianne grew up with an unrivalled understanding of meat and indeed how it should be cooked. Marianne has cooked for me on numerous occasions and her meat dishes have always been of the highest standard. Shame on you for putting down someone who has worked tremendously hard to get where she is and who deserves every ounce of credit.

I am a Masterchef addict. And to add to this, my husband, son and I ate at Maze Grill last week and were shown around the kitchen and the kitchen of Maze. I even saw Jason Atherton preparing scallops. To see the restuarant in tonight's show show was amazing. I think Matt was brilliant, can anyone tell me his surname so I can find out where he works as we live near Angus.

is ludo welsh or french

Again Marianne got through! Notice she did not try cooking meat for Greg and Michel! She fluffed lamb and chicken (good grief!!) in the heats; couldn't cook the pigeon in the restaurant; and so chose fish for the cook-off in the studio. She may win the competition, but will probably poison the first customer who asks for a meat dish in any restaurant she works in. She cooks privately at the moment - for a vegetarian family, I wonder?

SPOILER ALERT

Sorry, Rach, but it was Ryan who went through… (Btw, what kind of philistine phones during MasterChef? Unless it was to warn you that your flat was on fire, they have their priorities wrong).

Ryan deserved it, I thought. While they were working in the restaurant kitchen, it felt like David could lose it at any moment, but Ryan seemed really confident and capable. I know some people are seeing that as arrogance - and I know baby-faced David was all cute and huggable when he got flustered - but I suppose a top chef needs to be able to handle that pressure. I expect that confidence will come, though.

More worrying was David's presentation. I think he lacked a natural feeling for it, which might not be something he can learn. Even when he tried his absolute best his plates still looked pretty cumbersome.

Or am I just being mean…?

Phone rang - missed the end of last night's episode. Please tell me that David won!

Greg's all right. He's the voice of the restaurant customer and he doesn't just parrot back what Michel says. Although if Michel has said everything that needs to be said about a dish it must be hard for Greg to follow with his own comment so it's no wonder he sometimes seems to say the same thing as Michel just said.

Ryan does look quite scary. I thought that he looked like he might kill someone if he wasn't picked last night. And he even pulled the "It's my birthday" stunt. All he needs to do next is to say he's doing it for his mother who died recently and he'll have the full set of yucky characteristics.

Marianne still gets my vote

Marianne was so much better, Brice was trying hard, but fixated with 'skills', and being Scottish had never cooked with fresh vegetables and fruit before;-)

Poor Gregg, what a lambasting he's getting! And as for calling him ugly! I'm sure if a bloke wrote that a female TV presenter should get off the box because she was ugly, you'd be up in arms Val! I for one am a fan of Greg - he brings humour AND a knowledge of food to the programme. He was the only reason I watched Saturday Kitchen. It's been pretty mediocre ever since he left.

Michel is fantastic. There is one fabulous facial expression that he has after putting a fork of food in his mouth. He tastes away and you really don't know if he's shaking his head because it's delicious or awful.

Am I the only one who really DOESN'T want Ludovic to win?

Or perhaps the reason why Marianne went through was the fact she was a better chef? Did not Alexis Gaultier say he would serve her dish in his restaurant, and told Bryce his was terrible? Oh no, silly me, she won because she was a WOMAN.

I think it was the wrong decision to put through Marianne - if you check comments on Scotish guys food they were better and who the restaurant would be willing to work with but I had predicted the Scottish guy stood no chance against the only woman

@ justine: "PLEASE find another judge other than Greg Wallace! OMG, he is so annoying, never able to come up with his own view on a dish and who is he anyway?…just a glorified barrow boy? Get a PROPER foodie to judge please…"

It's sad to see that snobbery and ignorance (both culinary and social) are still alive and well. That unknown 'barrow boy', aside from being widely renowned for his expertise on fruit and vegetables, turned a small veg shop into a multi-million pound business, and currently supplies produce to many of the top London hotels and restaurants. So clearly, top chefs must think he's okay to do business with. If only they would consult with you first, eh? It's hardly his fault that you can't be bothered to learn more about him and his credentials.

Now the show. In a Greg Wallace style, can I say it just gets better! Substituting John with Michelle was a good move. Michelle brings balance to Greg's more, how shall I say, down-to-earth manner. I sometimes found John to focus on the negative a little too much, which is something that, thankfully, Michelle doesn't do. He encourages and guides with his criticisms.

Long may the show continue in its current format.

leave greg alone. myself and my daughter adore the show esp greg....his love of puddings and his comments have us in stitches.......he's fab.......i love this show, and all the funky music added in. does anyone know when the semi's are due to be shown on TV? im addicted.....fan of ludovic too - go ludo.

Now what happens to all that leftover food?- I would love to get a job polishing off whatever is not eaten!

I really cannot understand why there are people put there who cannot see that Greg Wally (deliberately mis-spelled) is a complete waste of space. Who needs a greencrocer to comment on cuisine and if you need to find a programme to say what has already been said, then there must be one on the net. Michel deserves more than an echo.

love the show, think its gr8, even like the so called dramatic pauses before they announce the winners but can somebody please tell me what the piece of music is that they play just before they announce who's going through to the next round. It's driving me nuts trying to figure it out.

Ahhhh, leave off Greg. Admittedly the spoon snogging and parrotting is annoying but imagine having to argue with the legend that is Michel?! The grocer man must be a little itimidated, but I do love his enthusiasm.

BTW, does anyone know why John isn't good enough for The Professionals? Or is it just that he's trying to break the US or something??

This is the best thing on TV at the moment, haven't missed an episode. Michel Roux Jr is Officially a God - he makes this series stand out in the franchise. I think it must be amazing as a young aspiring chef to be on the receiving end of his considered feedback, whether good or bad - the man truly is an inspiration (even though he does overuse the word "unctuous". But that's a small thing…)

You have to feel sorry Michel's Parrot - he must be totally out of his depth commenting on the nuances of food. When can we have Greg making his comments before Michel? Now that would be entertaining.

I cannot believe that these so called professional chefs do not understand basic hygiene! Cutting butter on a chopping board where raw meat has been prepped and the state of some of their hands and nails-doesn't basic hygiene have to be passed before you can even work in a kitchen?! I practise it in my own kitchen at home! Honestly.! Monica is too far up her boss' backside as far as I am concerned, she annoys me. Kate Spicer-food critic has a face like a slapped a@@e and never seems to have anything decent or constructive to say. PLEASE find another judge other than Greg Wallace! OMG, he is so annoying, never able to come up with his own view on a dish and who is he anyway?...just a glorified barrow boy? Get a PROPER foodie to judge please, other than that(!) I LOVE MASTERCHEF! I ALSO FIND MICHEL ROUX QUITE A TASTY DISH TOO! by the way.....LUDOVIC TO WIN!!

Jean Didier, now there's a young man who will go far, his inventiveness to think outside the box, clearly got him into trouble on the classic recipe's test, I hope we see more of him and his style of cooking in future programmes (obviously not this one)but some others

If I hear the deadpan Monica intone once more that Michel would/would not like this, couldn't serve this to Michel etc, and generally mention him in every sentence,I will scream. This is not the Michel Roux jnr show. And someone please show Greg how to hold a spoon - it's not a shovel !

Monica, star of the show, dangerously calm, very quiet, very scary, very impressive!!!

Raw lamb, uncooked brule, underdone pineapple. Somebody check those ovens please. Love the programme, hate to see good food and talent go to waste.

I like the concept of the show - but hate the format, India Fishers slow drawly voice (like a Marks and Spencer food ad, and find the background music really winds me up and I wish everyone would talk properly - then it would be perfect

I love Greg. Here's a man that loves his food. I think if the cameras weren't on , most dishes he'd polish the lot. I think hed even lick the plate clean. It's great to seem hin getting stuck in and grunting a way as he licks his chops - keep greg it a nice contrast to the icy mic roux

We love masterchef - it's definitely compusive viewing - but we hate the voiceover by India Fisher. It's too modulated but at the same time pushy. It's even worse than Greg and John shouting into each others' faces!

It would be great to have a chart, to see who has gone out and who has gone through to which round, something like the Wimbledon Tennis tournament sheet. Or is there one already ? Otherwise, Gregg - dull, Michel - marvellous, definitely on my would-like-to-meet list, Monica - very scaring

Was the tall bloke Ryan a sure thing, or did the judges just like him?

Must say I agree with those who have suggested that Greg, at least occasionally give his comments first, hopefully then we might get original thought.

I totally agree with Chris Bull's comments! Is Greg scared to form his own opinions! Also, I cannot stand the way Greg puts the fork/spoon in his mouth and seems to bite down on it for at least 3 seconds. Clearly I watch Masterchef far too often! Monica, the Evonne Gooligong of the kitchen, is frightening!!

So many negative comments about Greg on this blog make me hope that the programme makers will take the hint and get rid of this charmless, ugly man. He has never contributed anything of value to the programme and it really is a mystery as to why he remains. There must be a legion of knowledgeable foodies who could make constructive comments. He should go back to his barrow.

Why are the classical recipes always from France? Surely we must have some our own? Or some from other parts of world. If Greg put his comments first he would not be able to copy Michel.

Is it me or is Greg trying to play Chinese Whisper with Michel Roux Jr all of the time!! It does my head in. I wish they would disagree and I also wish the Chefs would do some thing funny one day like serve Michel Roux a plate of Baked Beans!!

I love the cookery progarmmes on BBC but surely the sous chef for Michel Roux Junior and the "expert" Greg should be able to pronounce creme anglaisse and not creme anglay. They are both very critical of the chefs work, but why ooh why if they are going to use French names for dishes they are unable to pronounce the name correctly. Creme Anglaisse is surely not the same as Creme Anglay! Come on guys get it right!! You are critising chefs so please get the pronunciation correct. Don't believe me ask Michel!

My colleague and I cannot believe that the BBC are wasting half of the show on a skill test overseen by Monica and her array of "gurning faces" surely it would be better if more time was spent on actual cooking. We like Michel (not as good as his dad) and we love Greg, get rid of Monica!!

I haven't read all the comments - but wanted to add in my 2 pence! Has anyone noticed that Greg always makes his comments after Michel and basically repeats EXACTLY what Michel says.

Scenario - guy doesn't season his mash.

Michel - "good potato, nice texture but your mash is under seasoned"

Greg - "I love that texture, but it needs seasoning."

I want Greg to make his comments first so that Michel can completely disagree - it would make much better TV!

Am I the only one who notices the appalling state of the "chefs'" hands and nails? It would be reassuring to see them scrubbing up before being allowed anywhere near the food.Please judges, give this some thought.

I have just had to stop watching this evening's episode to come and trawl the internet in search of the 'I hate Greg' forum. I was vaguely aware of his existance before now but it wasn't until I started watching this series that it became clear what a useless, toadying, idiot he is…crudely echoing Michel Roux's comments, patronising the contestants 'OFF YOU GO THEN!', bellowing every sentence and shovelling obscenely large and unsightly fork-fulls of food into his huge face. Come on BBC..shurely it's time to get rid of some dead wood.

Greg is great, a wonderful foil to Monica and Michel. Michel is cool, passionate, the boss. But the star has to be Monica. I would rather face Alan Sugar in the board room then a skills test in front of her. My fav line "I swear if this was my restaurant you would be wearing that fish" lol - give her her own show.

I like the show, except Poly the Parrot Greg Wallace (can he actually cook or is he merely a green grocer, albeit a good one I understand). I am concerned, however, that Bearnaise is always mispronounced. It actually has an accent egu, so it is pronounced "Be-arnaise" not "Bernaise", shame on you Mr. Roux. Also, as a Swiss person, I was horrified to see that today's contestants were asked to make a Roeschti (the Swiss National Dish) using raw potatoes. I would have imagined that Michelin star chefs would know that you need Gschwellti (boiling potatoes in their skin), cool them and then grate them on a coarser grater than what they were provided with. 10 minutes is hardly enouhg to accomplish this, even for the best chef.

gregg what a plonker.... for gods sake your a fruit and veg seller not a fine food critic..you remind me more of pete beale (eastenders). please please make comments that are worthy as i would be suprised if you know how to cook a potatoe let alone judge how well one is cooked .please could you do one episode of you cooking so we can at least tell you may have the slightest bit of knowledge.other than that i love the programme

We need to know the restaurant Jason of Shrewsbury comes from. Great show, love Gregs appetite.

I am shocked by how poor the standard - these professional chefs serving up inedible food. The everyday cooks look like they produce MUCH better stuff than these guys - and that brings me to another point why are they nearly all spotty, sweaty blokes - sweat dripping off a fat man into the food he is preparing is surely a non starter:-)

I love Michel Roux Jr and hope we see Monica back on Masterchef in some capacity.

Some of the 'Professional' chefs have been really poor, especially in the first week.

The only thing that puts me off is the amount of food Gregg manages to get on his fork, to be stuffed into his mouth, and he sucks on the fork or spoon lol.

i have watched all the Masterchef shows and have enjoyed every one,the one thing that spoils it for me is the so called judge GREG he says exactly what the very talented and very hamdsome Michel jr has to say which makes him seem like he knows what hes talking about,we can all see he likes his food that doesnt put him on the same level as Michel jr.And can someone plese tell him to stop shouting at the talented new chefs who are already Very nervous hes not helping.maybe it should be just Michel jr and the wonderful new addition Monica

I was quite surprised that some (not all) of the contestants are addressed as 'Chef' surely this title has to be earned in some way? I thought that hair should be covered in the kitchen?

Although some of the food is presented well, how is it that meat is often presented undercooked, surely a mistake that is very un-professional, tell them that twenty seconds in a microwave will sort things out, no I am not joking!

Monica is really scary, with her knowledge and attitude no wonder Michel trusts her, and please ask Gregg to take slightly smaller portions on his fork.

For me Michel is the real star of the show. He has a great blend of professionalism and a personal touch - doesn't mind praising, but is not afraid to criticise, and seems quite sincere. Would be a great mentor.

This is one of the funniest programmes on TV at the moment. The joy of watching Greg mirror the expressions of Michel while he shouts his comments at full volume is immense. Such comments as 'if that dish came up to me in a restaurant I'd eat it' - classic.

How on earth these chefs call themselves 'professional' when they cannot cook meat - even serving raw chicken! - defeats me. Even under pressure they should at least be able to do that. Having said that, I enjoy the programme immensely, Michel Roux Jr seems to be genuinely interested in the contestants' showing their skills to best advantage. It is also interesting to see the differences in approach between the chef (Roux) and diner (Wallace) and what is unacceptable to the chef is sometimes acceptable to(and occasionally preferred by) the diner. I just wish the camera would linger a little longer on each shot, the quick-fire montage approach makes it difficult to watch at times.

Monica is the star of the show - although Michel is pretty good as well.

It's always nice to see chefs who think that the food and their passion for it are more important then their egos. I want to see how well they cook, not how well they swear.

Michel is knowledgeable & passionate, but remains calm.

But Monica, she's wonderful. The expressions she pulls as she sees what the contestants are doing, they're wonderful. She doesn't let the would-be MasterChef entrants get away with the slightest thing. If she likes it, she'll tell them. But if there's anything wrong with what they've done, she'll tell them that as well.

Can you tell me which restaurant Jason from Shrewsbury is from please

I have found Michel Roux to be refreshing. His articulate, honest, intelligent commentary and rather dry wit and visual expressions are a joy to watch. I enjoy his apparent sincerity and I belive that he makes for better TV for these reasons. Monica is a wonderful prelude and I like her straightforwardness!

FAO Mesa - our contacts at MasterChef: the Professionals tell us that Monica was born in Samoa and raised in New Zealand.

I am Marianne's mother and I can confirm she was born in Long Clawson to the north of Melton Mowbray.

Michel Roux is fantastic - calm, considered but totally focused. There is real talent on show, but some of the would be cooks are clearly deluded about their abilities. Of the cooks we've seen so far, Marianne stands out because for me she cooks the sort of food I would want to eat, and she has a genuine appreciation of flavours & presentation.

Do you know where a-bouts in Leicestershire Marianne hails from?

I think John Torode is the sexist man on TV and miss him working with Greg. Michel is lovely to the chefs but I still miss John - looking forward to his return - why is he not used for professional Masterchef?

Where does Monica come from?

Where does Monica come from?

I loved last nights when Michel Roux Jr told one of the contestants that he liked his plums as they were very succulent. That's getting a bit too friendly with the great man.

And I thought I was bad at cooking. There is a look in the eye of Michel when sometimes hel tastes the food is I am sure he is thinking 'I should put this on the menu'. Maybe he has, I cannot see anything wrong in that.

Is is a shame for the professionals to be seen squirming so much and on camera.

Only that the "in the style of Jack the Ripper" should have resulted in a meticulously dispatched chicken (it was believed he was a surgeon). Are you sure he didn't hear "in the style of a chainsaw massacre"?