Masterchef: The Professionals 2021 returned to our screens in November, meaning the final is fast approaching. 

The episodes so far have seen 32 professional chefs take part in a number of tasks hoping to impress the judges.

The chefs have been subject to skills tests and signature challenges, set by judges Marcus Wareing, Greg Wallace and Monica Galetti, and had to cook for famous food critics. 

There are still nine hopeful contestants in the competition as the show approaches the semi-finals. 

The final will be held on Friday December 16 at 9pm on BBC One. 

Who is still in the Masterchef competition?

Ryan Michael Baker

Ryan is the sous chef at Maison Francois, 34 Duke Street St James's, London SW1Y 6DF England, which has classic French cuisine on the menu and is also in the Michelin Guide. 

Instagram: @ryan_baker94

Liam Rogers

Liam is the sous chef at two-time Michelin starred Restaurant Sat Bains, Lenton Lane, Nottingham NG7 2SA, which serves a seven-course set menu for lunch and 10-courses dinner menus.

Instagram: @chef_liam_rogersss

Dan Lee

Dan is a 28-year-old private chef from Birmingham who used to work at Michelin-starred celebrity restaurant Table65 in Singapore.

Instagram: @daniel.jb.lee 

John Simpson-Clements

It's not clear where John currently works but his Instagram page shows he is still cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

He used to work as a sous chef at the Burleigh Court Hote in Loughborough.

Jamie Holme

Jamie is the head Chef at catering company Bubble Food, based in London. 

The website describes it as "the couture of event food design, creating visionary spectacles that engage and excite guests and delight clients".

Instagram: @chefjholme

Aaron Middleton

Aaron is an ex-head chef at Richard Branson's Necker Island, and now owns his own private company. 

Instagram: @chefaaronmiddleton

Charith Mallawa

Charith is a Sri Lankan chef who used to work at Paradise Soho in London, according to his Insatgram account. 

Instagram: @sri.charith

Matt Willdigg

Matt owns his own foraging catering company called Foray Catering, offering private dining experiences as well as catering for weddings and events. 

Instagram: @chef_mattwilldigg

Daniel Marreiros

Daniel is the head chef at Volta Do Mar, 13-15 Tavistock Street Covent Garden, London WC2E 7PS, which features in the Michelin Guide serving Brazilian, African and Portuguese food.  

Instagram: @danieldmarreiros

This week the semi-finals are on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 9pm on BBC One.