So when is the grand finale?
I am tipping MasterChef finale for Wednesday, July 19. Which may explain double episodes of Riptide on July 12.
I wonder who ended up winning,I’m guessing Malissa or Declan?
According to Sunday Herald Sun’s Fiona Byrne, a rumour surfaced this week that if the right replacement for the late Jock Zonfrillo could not be found, Andy and Melissa might host the next season of MasterChef with a rotating roster of guest judges.
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That’s what I said in this thread a few months. Masterchef U.S. tried it once
Garbage.
Everyone’s replaceable.
Yeah, there’s Curtis Stone, Shannon and probably Jamie Oliver might be in the mix bag if they want to keep searching for a third judge.
Also I wonder how the finale will be edited. Will Andy and Mel say something via Video message.
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They should try and poach Colin Fassnidge. Hes literally the same vibe as Jock
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I think he’s doing MKR
Yes that’s why you poach him…
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I wonder if someone like Andy Hearnden (AndyCooks) could be an option. Major social media following. Might be a little too positive if they’re looking to fill a ‘bad cop’ role.
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10 might want to scramble if they want to poach Colin :wink 
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Malissa Risks It For The Biscuit.
Malissa Fedele Eliminated From MasterChef Australia.
Tonight, Declan, Brent, Rhiannon, Cath and Malissa competed to secure their spot in the top five. While Theo enjoyed the view and safety from the gantry, internationally renowned pastry chef and chocolate queen, Kirsten Tibballs had set up a hand-selected dessert pantry to challenge tonight’s cooks.
Alongside a timer set to 90 minutes, contestants were given a limited selection of ingredients. Whatever time and ingredients they didn’t use in round one, formed the pantry and cook time in round two, where the least impressive dish sent its maker home.
After struggling to formulate a plan, Brent decided his smartest choice was to play his immunity pin before he joined Theo on the gantry.
Rhiannon’s strategy was to go fast in round one to allow herself the most time in round two. She made a lemon cake, raspberry sauce and bitter almonds that received positive feedback from judges. Malissa made chocolate parfait with raspberry and ginger sauce and almond crumb. She finished second and while Kirsten was impressed by the texture and flavours of her dish, her raspberry sauce was critiqued for not being strained of seeds. Cath made olive oil chocolate mousse with hazelnut praline and vanilla biscuits. She used up more time than she hoped, but was praised for the presentation and concept despite her mousse needing more time to set.
Declan put all his effort into round one to avoid round two. He made choux buns topped with raspberry craquelin, with hazelnut praline and tempered chocolate. He completed his dish with only 33 minutes remaining, but his strategy paid off. The judges were seriously impressed with his technique and praised Declan’s progress, deeming him safe and earning his place in the top five.
In round two, Rhiannon made a chocolate fondant with lemon crumb and hazelnut ice cream. Upon plating, her fondant broke and oozed leaving her defeated but pleased to have plated up all elements. Cath set off to make flourless chocolate cake with vanilla bean ice cream and raspberry coulis and Malissa made a hazelnut ice cream sandwich with a ganache centre. She added baking powder to ensure her biscuits would be soft and well risen.
The judges agreed that Cath’s dessert ticked all the boxes and was a classic done right. While Rhiannon’s presentation suffered, the judges noted that her dish delivered on flavour and texture. Malissa’s ice cream was delicious and her ganache added a perfect balance, but the dominant flavour of baking powder left an unpleasant aftertaste, which unfortunately sent her home.
Malissa had the full MasterChef experience having been in almost all eliminations and pressure tests. She won and played an immunity pin and became a new cook over the journey. Without a dry eye in the kitchen, Malissa said her farewells, grateful for the experience.
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Oh damn. One of my faves this season
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Tonight’s episode exposed Brent’s weakness in desserts. If he made the final three, he would struggle in the service challenge because he would have to create his own three course menu.
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Oopsie. Looks like spoiler ahead when MCAU social media posted this today. When Brent won mystery box tonight.
Then they might do a service challenge tomorrow.
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When the preview for this week’s episodes aired at the last night’s eliminaton challenge, I noticed the spoiler immediately, when Brent was without his apron when walking through the vines with his fellow contestants.
Tuesday is a time auction challenge.
Wednesday’s challenge took place at Cactus Country, Australia’s biggest cactus garden located at Strathmerton in northern Victoria.
Today’s challenge is inspired by cactus and the vibrant nation they are most often associated with Mexico.
Contestants have 60 minutes to make a mouth watering Mexican inspired dish that will make taste buds do the salsa.
With just one spot left in tomorrow’s immunity challenge, the talented cooks are ready to bring the heat and spice things up.
Then, hold onto your margarita’s because in a surprise twist, all remaining contestants must face off in an advantage round.
In only 60 minutes, they must whip up a dish that shines the spotlight on the true star of the desert, the cactus itself.
EDIT 2: After the judges met the contestants at Cactus Country, Melissa said Rhiannon was unwell so would be absent from the cook and therefore miss out on a spot on the immunity challenge.
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Final is Sunday 16 July.
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That’s quite abrupt. Next Tuesday (July 12) is the pressure test at Sydney Opera House’s Bennelong restaurant, then it’s straight to the grand final five days later.
That probably means there will be no separate reunion episode (all 18 contestants returning to the MC kitchen to have some fun with the judges).
The two-hour grand final will be up against tough competition in the first semi-final of Dancing with the Stars on Seven (7pm - 8.40pm) and 60 Minutes (8.30pm - 9.30pm).
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Oh no.