TONIGHT will see a talented Glasgow chef lecturer compete in the last quarter-final of MasterChef: The Professionals.

Gary Maclean, lecturer at the City of Glasgow College, is appearing on tonight’s BBC show to be judged by top chefs Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace.

Students took to Twitter to show their support as the 44-year-old appeared on Tuesday night’s show.

Lisa Richardson, HND Professional Cookery Student at the college, said: “Was on the edge of my seat watching master chef. Absolutely fab Gary congratulations on your achievement.”

Fellow student Kristina Murphy tweeted: “Well done to Gary Maclean through to the quarter finals of MasterChef! #ProudStudents”

And Michelle Kershaw said: “Massive congrats @Gmacchef on getting through #MasterChefUK from all @StAndrewsRCSec. Inspiring our #futurechefs”

Tuesday night’s show saw him make a hot lamb sandwich with pea and mint salsa and rabbit with hazelnut mouse wrapped in pancetta, impressing Michelin-starred Marcus, who said: “Well done, very good. Happy at that as a first dish.”

And the rabbit proved a hit with Gregg.

Gary started off at the college as a student in 1988, studying for eight years before becoming a part time lecturer for a further 13 years and has been full time for six years.

Gary was Lecturer of the Year last year and has won a glut of prizes for his cookery and teaching skills.

City of Glasgow College Principal Paul Little wished Gary “good luck” for tonight’s show.

He said: “The entire college is behind Gary and we all wish him every success.

“He is a super talented chef and a highly respected lecturer.

“Our students really enjoy his innovative teaching and cooking techniques.

“He certainly sums up what it means to work at City of Glasgow College and I’m sure his determined perfectionism will shine through the next stage of the culinary competition. Our fingers are firmly crossed for tonight.”

If Gary makes it through tonight he will go on to next week’s finals.

Contestants are pushed to stretch their skills in the name of cooking glory - and the challenges set by the strict judges are notoriously tough.

To get through each week takes serious kitchen talent and cooking nous.

MasterChef: The Professionals is on BBC Two tonight at 8pm.

Two Michelin-starred British chef Marcus Wareing and highly-ranked chef, Monica Galetti, are joined by MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace, to form the formidable judging team.