Four hopefuls, shortlisted from 2000 aspiring chefs, battle it out to be the best cook in the country. After a masterclass in Thai chicken cakes from top chef John Torode, the four cooks try their hand, but will the spices be too hot to handle? With a quarter-final place up for grabs, the competition heats up as they dazzle presenters Nadia Sawalha and John with their most delicious dishes. Will the pesto chicken, the French onion soup or the chocolate fondant be top class?