More than 20 chefs will compete in a series of eight regional heats and will be judged by eight past competition winners, now some of the most in-demand chefs in the UK.

The two highest scoring chefs according to the veteran judges will go head-to-head, presenting their four-course menus to award-winning restaurant critic Matthew Fort, queen of British cookery Prue Leith and acclaimed restaurateur Oliver Peyton.

Each week the judges are joined by an expert guest judge including food critics, restaurateurs and chefs.

The winners from each of the regional competitions will then compete in the National Finals for a chance to cook at the Queen’s Great Britons Banquet at the Houses of Parliament.

The Great Britons Banquet recognises the people who have been named in the Queen’s Birthday and New Years’ Honours list.

Judge Matthew Fort said “In the competition this year, we see some of the finest food we have ever seen. It is modern, original and delicious. The future of British food is secure; the future of British food is exciting.”