MasterChef Australia

Thousands applied, but only 50 lucky people made it to the first leg of MasterChef. An exciting start with a boat ride to Cockatoo Island and a massive Mystery Box Challenge awaiting them

Day two of the MasterChef journey, and it's a tough one - a Basic Skills Bootcamp with new judge, Matt Moran. The remaining 45 contestants go through three rounds which test their chip cutting, mayonnaise making, chicken break down skills.

The remaining contestants cook off for the first 6 spots in the MasterChef Top 24. Contestants are given two hours to create a trio of desserts set by the guest chef, Maggie Beer.

The bottom 10 contestants from Maggie Beer's challenge are faced with a choice - either go fishing and cook what you catch, or risk creating a dish with the mystery ingredient.

With another six spots in the MasterChef top 24 up for grabs, the final 30 contestants cook with their five favourite ingredients to create what they believe is the ultimate desert island dish.

In the first master class of the series, a few special contestants take a trip to the Barossa Valley to visit Maggie Beer in her home and to learn the secrets of the perfect pastry and roast chicken.

There are two dozen contestants remaining and only 12 spots left in the top 24. The next challenge is a formidable taste test - identity the ingredients in Aria's signature dish, peking duck consomme.

As our Top 24 enter the MasterChef kitchen for the first time, they are surprised to see no judges. Only a few notice the clock has started ticking down. Has the first challenge already begun?

The winner of the first challenge will cook for immunity against apprentice chef, Alex Keen, who works under Allesandro Pavoni. Will a 10 minute headstart be enough to beat the best?

The Top 24 are woken in the middle of the night and told to head to Sonoma Bakery where, in teams, they will be baking bread for five of Sydney's most illustrious restaurants.