Sam, Aaron, Mark, Rebecca, Bobby and Lewis cook for survival on the first day of MasterChef: The Professionals 2015 UK.

The six professional chefs are all hoping to impress Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace with their cooking skills in order to book their place in the next round.

The first three chefs – Sam, Aaron and Mark – are challenged to make the classic French dessert ile flottante, or a floating island, requiring them to make perfect custard and meringue. The other three – Rebecca, Bobby and Lewis – must prepare a blue steak with a green peppercorn sauce – they only have 15 minutes and the steak must be cooked exactly right.

Finally, all six chefs must showcase their creativity by presenting their own signature dish before half the group are sent home with only the best three chefs progressing to the next round.

Meet the chefs:

Sam 20, Junior Sous Chef, Newcastle
Aaron 25, Head Chef, Plymouth
Mark 34, Sous Chef, London
Rebecca 29, Head chef, York
Bobby 25, Sous Chef, Essex
Lewis 28, College Lecturer, Arbroath.