With the action taking place across a range of the most beautiful locations Melbourne had to offer, from the Royal Exhibition Building to the breathtaking backdrop of Monsalvat, MasterChef’s hopefuls utilised all their skills and imagination in trying to convince the judges they were worthy of receiving a coveted Top 24 apron.

It was big Kevin Perry who became this season’s first deserving recipient, preparing a spectacular Cider Can Chicken that left the judges with no option but to send him straight through to the next stage of the competition.

The following challenge let the remaining contestants loose on the Mornington Peninsula, as in pairs they foraged for the ingredients to cook their own sumptuous apron-demanding creation. Succeeding in their quest were Jules, Amina, Andrew, TK, Audra and Dalvinder.

Matt Moran preceded the next task by conducting a salmon filleting exhibition, leaving the contestants to put his lessons into practice with a beautiful fish dish. While some had the judges wincing at the horrifying acts of salmon torture on display, Alice, Wade, Matthew and Sam excelled, securing themselves Top 24 spots in the process.

With Shannon Bennett then presenting the first Pressure Test of 2012, it became apparent that the mission to win an apron was only going to get tougher. Yet the contestants created some Peach Melba magic, with Andy, Julia, Kylie, Lydia, Ben and Beau declared the most deserving of places in the MasterChef kitchen.

With only six spots remaining, the spectacular setting of Monsalvat provided the venue to a French-themed Invention Test, presided over by the legendary Jacques Reymond. Despite each contestant giving their absolute all, the day’s superior dishes and the final aprons belonged to Deb, Filipo, Mindy, Kath, Mario and Emma.

Our Top 24 decided, it’s off to the MasterChef kitchen. Let culinary battle commence!