From chocolate masterpieces to Yum Cha Challenges, MasterChef continued to put its contestants’ nerves through the shredder during its third week of competition.

The hopefuls first negotiated a ‘Have a Crack’ Mystery Box Challenge followed by a sandwich-themed Invention Test. Winning the former with his tantalising Lemon Ciambella Cake, Filippo was awarded the right to choose the Invention Test’s core ingredient, selecting tomato. With the right to fight for Immunity riding on the result, the contestants each brought their sandwich-making A-game, but none more so than Mindy with her Murtabak with Tomato and Cucumber Pickle.

The following day sent the Invention Test’s weakest performers, Lydia, TK and Wade, into a Pressure Test set by living legend Peter Gilmore. Any hopes for a simple dish were quashed when he lifted the cloche on his 8-Texture Chocolate Cake. Given its complexity, the contestant recreations were admirable, but an unfortunate case of curdled cream saw Lydia Eliminated.

Ready to try and claim the first Immunity Pin of the season, Mindy selected Amina and Julia as her helpers for the challenge. Standing in her way: culinary hotshot Darren Robertson of The Three Blue Ducks. Mindy and friends gave the professionals plenty to think about, with Amina’s Herbed Goats Cheese Salad entrée even judged to be superior, but it wasn’t enough to win the gold.

Wednesday brought another Team Challenge, with Yum Cha on the menu. Beau captained the Blues and Deb the Reds, as the teams raced to prepare and deliver their bite-sized treats in the hope of securing the public vote. The Blues took the win, thanks largely to the popularity of Sam’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-‘em Panko Prawns.

A Taste Test followed by a sudden death cook-off proved to be Matt’s downfall on Thursday, with his undercooked lamb leaving the judges with little option but to send him home. The remaining contestants were then given their weekly opportunity to pick up some expert tips, as well as a much-needed respite, in a MasterClass. On the menu? Gary’s (mum’s) Lamb Stew, a Potato Gnocchi, and a Raw Food Tasting Plate and Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, courtesy of Matt Moran – a silky smooth end to a frantic MasterChef week.