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The three chefs are halfway through their heat, and the pressure is mounting. Once again, they each serve their unique take on the brief celebrating British animation and illustration, inspired by Paddington’s 65th birthday.

For mains, one chef is taking inspiration from the original illustrations of the Mad Hatter’s tea party in Alice in Wonderland with a barbecued poussin stuffed with chicken and truffle mousse, polenta playing cards and rich gravy. Another is paying homage to an animated episode of Paddington where he holds a surprise Chinese New Year party for his friend – the celebration features steamed chicken, gold-bar spring rolls, and fresh rolled noodles with peanut and chilli sauce.

For dessert, there's a celebration of Bob the Builder with a builder’s tea and brown butter ice cream, a Peruvian chocolate and rolled pionono dessert celebrating Paddington, and a Pingu-inspired chocolate egg.

Only two will proceed to cook for the judges and have a chance to represent the north west of England at the regional finals.