Showing the UK How to Cook

Twelve chefs have made it through to Knockout Week on MasterChef: The Professionals. And as if we needed more statistical evidence that we're utterly excelling at food as a region, 25% of the remaining contestants are currently cheffing in the West Midlands. The last time we saw sous chef Leo Kattou (left), he was threatening his head chef at Simpsons with a fire extinguisher. Having worked in his parent’s chippie in Coventry, Leo got work experience at Simpsons in 2009, and was employed the following month. Brett Connor (right) worked at two 2017 ICB faves — Hampton Manor and Mallory Court — before becoming a development chef. While you'll find 22-years young Louisa Ellis at The Wilderness, where she's been working as sous chef since September. Neh bad, Birmingham, neh bad.

Knockout Week airs Tues 5, Wed 6 and Thurs 7 December, 8pm, BBC Two