Kha Nguyen

Today it’s theirvery first Invention Test and they’ll do whatever it takes to avoid the bottom three and the Pressure Test that will follow tomorrow.

The 24 contestants enter an empty MasterChef kitchen with the judges telling them not to worry, they’llstill be cooking... and that today, they’ll in fact cookItalian food. The judges then welcome Massimo Bottura. A pioneer in the kitchen, as alawyer turned chef, Massimo Bottura runs the three Michelin stared Osteria Francescana, the third bestrestaurant in the world. Today, he will be mentoring the contestants in a team challenge.

Once settled, Gary reveals that Mario has withdrawn from the competition as he did not meet the strict guidelines with regard to previous experience.In keeping with the rules, the next in line for a white apron, Jessie,will join the group. Jessie enters the kitchen and is welcomed with open arms. The judges then introduce the contestants to 2014winner Brent Owenswho will be joining them today to encourage and inspire.

After the RedTeam’s failure in yesterday’s Army Challenge, the eleven contestants from the RedTeam (Matthew, Kha, John, Georgia, Jacqui, Amy, Sara, Rose, Anna, Ashleigh and Melita)are cooking in today’s elimination. The judges announce that there will be two rounds: Round 1 will be a challenge to create an “uber salad” that is creative and worthy of sitting as the centerpiece on the table. The makers of the worst four salads will face elimination in Round 2, and one contestant will go home.