MasterChef

BBC1, 8pm

A much-loved but familiar recipe is given a zesty fresh twist as the amateur cooking contest returns for its 18th series. John Torode and Gregg Wallace (right) are back to preside over the 24 episodes which will eventually select that one champion.

But there’s a newly made-over round for the nine contestants who start out in the opening episode. First comes a signature dish for them to cook up – but in a change from the past, Torode and Wallace are for once staying out of the kitchen. Instead they will be trying out the results in the new dedicated MasterChef Tasting Room.

There’s relief for those they select to be the best three, who can then go through to a future episode. For the remaining six, the challenge is to prove themselves with further dishes – or be one of two unlucky losers who will have gone out on their very first appearance. ★★★★☆