"That face - when you somehow pull it out the bag!" is how talented north Herts chef Philli Armitage-Martin described the moment when she triumphed again in MasterChef: The Professionals.

The former pupil at St Christopher's School won through to the semi-finals of the top-rated BBC show watched by millions on Thursday evening.

The 28-year-old with acclaimed - and highly-original - culinary skills impressed the judges again on the BBC One prime time programme.

Speaking after the quarter-final stage of MasterChef: The Professionals Philli shared her joy.

"I literally can't even describe in words how it feels. So overwhelmed and happy right now," she tweeted afterwards.

There was drama aplenty in the kitchen for Philli when she realised her pastry wasn't cold enough, so, with the clock ticking down to the end of the task, she decided to rip up the textbook and make a fondant instead.

While her tarte cases were cooking in the oven, covering all bases, Philli opted to make fondants with salted caramel and cinnamon - just in case - to the amazement of tough judge Monica Galletti.

Startled fellow judge Marcus Wareing added: "She'll be lucky to get a taste or a fondant up at this rate."

As time ticked down in the stressful culinary task, Marcus implored her to make a decision - the tarte or the fondant.

Philli finally opted for the fondant - which thankfully blew the judges away.

"When you have less than 20 minutes to go," gushed a clearly impressed Marcus, "I find it quite remarkable that Philli could pull a dessert off that can have its liquid centre cooked just right.

"It's quite remarkable."

The talented chef from north Herts also served her unique version of chicken nuggets on the hit show watched by millions.

Phill, said: "I fell in love with KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) in Seoul.

"I had deep fried rice stuffed chicken wings while working at Den Restaurant [on the banks Chao Phraya River, the main river in Thailand].

"I loved this idea as it was fun and unique, so thought I'd serve it."

Philli, had already proved a hit with viewers earlier in the week when she won through he opening round after impressing judges with her style.

Read Nub News and watch MasterChef: The Professionals this month for more on north Herts' star Masterchef Philli.