CHEF extraordinaire Elly Wentworth's confidence is going from strength to strength after she breezed into the knock out stages of MasterChef: The Professionals this week.

The 24-year-old, who works as a junior sous chef at Lucknam Park in Colerne, was showered with praise by the judges for her mouthwatering guinea fowl and pancetta jus to ensure her place in the final 10 of the illustrious competition.

Michelin starred Marcus Wareing went as far as saying that her dish was 'outstanding' and 'exceptional' and Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace agreed that it was her guinea fowl was the best dish in the room.

"It is a lot of pressure to perform in front of the judges and against some very good competition, so to get such positive feedback makes me feel more confident in my ability," said Ms Wentworth, who has been cooking since she was 13.

"It was quite a risky dish but thankfully it paid off. I am loving the experience so far. I never expected to get onto the competition let alone get this far and hopefully I can make it through to the next round.

"The support I have received has been incredible."

In the next episode, the final 10 will be split into two teams and will have to work together to produce a three-course meal for some high profile clients.

They will then cook another signature dish and two more chefs will leave the competition.

MasterChef: The Professionals, airs Tuesdays to Thursdays, 8pm, BBC Two.