MasterChef: The Professionals 2021 final: When is it on? Who's in it? All you need to know

MasterChef: The Professionals is nearing the end of series 14, with three top chefs vying for the title of the best pro in 2021.

As Gregg Wallace finishes polishing the trophy and the dishes are plated up, we take a look at everything you need to know ahead of the final - including when you can watch it and who's taking part.

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When is MasterChef: The Professionals 2021 final on TV?

The final will air tonight, Thursday 16 December at 9pm on BBC One.

Who are the chefs in the final?

There are three top chefs still competing for the title of 2021 champion.

Liam is just 24, but has grown up around skilled cooks as his father owns a restaurant which he works in. He also has experience of Michelin star cooking as he has worked at Andrew Fairlie at the Gleneagles Hotel and Restaurant Sat Bains.

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Aaron, 27, used to have the incredible job of working as Richard Branson's private chef on Necker Island, but moved back to the UK in 2020 and has cooked in impressive restaurants including The Ledbury and new opening Hide.

Dan, 32, fuses together his British and Chinese roots in his cooking that has seen him work at celebrity Singapore restaurant Table65. He currently works as a private chef and does pop-ups and residencies at restaurants.

Who is judging MasterChef: The Professionals?

Hosting the series and acting as one of a trio of judges is Gregg Wallace who also presents the main and celebrity series, but isn't joined here by co-star John Torode.

Providing the expert chef opinions for the judging panel are MasterChef favourites Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti, known as tough-but-fair judges.

What will happen in the final?

Finals week runs for three nights this week, culminating in Thursday's grand final where the winner is named.

Challenges in finals week have included working under the tutelage of a top chef in his restaurant, presenting to the terrifying chefs' table of industry greats, and creating dishes inspired by people close to them.

The last challenge is simple but tough - to create their best three-course meal ever for the show's judges, with the winner getting the prestige and career boost of the champion's title.

MasterChef: The Professionals final airs tonight, Thursday 16 December at 9pm on BBC One.

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