They think people switch off during the opening credits so they get dropped. You know what annoys me? The long previews at the start of episodes which spoil the show. That’s when I switch over or fast forward.
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We have arrived at our first semi-final cook-off
Find out who will make it through to the grand final tonight 7.00 on @channel7 & @7plus
Caz and Fergus secure MKR Grand Final spot
Nail-biting sudden death semi-final
Tonight, MKR’s first semi-final saw a matriarchal match-up for the ages, as mother and son Caz and Fergus went head-to-head with mother and daughter Janey and Maddie in a nail-biting elimination cook-off.
Judges Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge agreed tonight’s cooking standard was "Grand Final level on both sides.”
Manu admitted it was “neck and neck,” before Caz and Fergus ultimately triumphed, becoming the first mother and son team to advance to the MKR Grand Final.
Fellow semi-finalists Simone and Viviana, and Mike and Pete watched on as tonight’s sudden death cook-off saw both teams prepare a three-course meal. The stakes were high as they cooked against the clock with 90 minutes for entrée, 60 minutes for main and 45 minutes for dessert.
Caz and Fergus from NSW entered MKR as Gatecrashers and enjoyed a crucial 15-minute head start tonight as winners of the last Kitchen HQ challenge. Their cooking skills shone with an Asian-inspired menu of Grilled Pork Jowl with Nahm Jim Jaew for entrée, Choo Chee Ocean Trout with Papaya Salad for main and dessert of Panna Cotta.
After previous feedback from the judges, Caz said: “Colin told us not to hold back on the flavour, so that’s what we’re setting out to achieve today.”
Janey and Maddie, from Victoria, challenged themselves with a technical menu of Kingfish Ceviche for entrée, Beef Wellington for main and Raspberry Soufflé with Raspberry Sauce for dessert.
Manu was “smacked in the face with flavour” from Caz and Fergus’ pork jowl entrée. Colin agreed the “very chefy” dish had a “beautiful smokiness.” Janey and Maddie also came out of the gates strong. The ceviche was a “brilliant start” only missing a bit of texture on the plate.
“Both teams couldn’t have had a better start,” Colin admitted.
Caz and Fergus upped the ante with their main: an ocean trout Colin “could eat all day."
Manu agreed: “They haven’t held back on flavour.” After questioning whether the meat would cook in time, Janey and Maddie were hot on their heels with a perfectly cooked beef wellington. Manu loved the seasoning, but the red wine jus fell flat with a “watery, not beefy body flavour.”
Colin announced Caz and Fergus were in the lead after entrée and main, but with everything on the line, both teams produced stand-out desserts. Caz and Fergus’ “very clever” panna cotta impressed while Maddie’s stress levels rose alongside her souffle.
The “perfect” soufflé exemplified the standard of cooking throughout the night as Manu admitted: "I don’t think I could have made a better soufflé myself.”
After dessert, Caz and Fergus were awarded a coveted spot in the Grand Final for their “standout menu, a lesson in flavour.”
Colin said: “You should be so proud of yourselves.” Manu added: “Great food is more than just great technique, it’s a whole experience.”
Elated, Caz declared: “We’re going through to the Grand Final! One more big push.”
Fergus agreed: “That’s all that matters, that one cook.”
Janey and Maddie hung up their aprons, proud of their achievements in the MKR kitchen. Emotional, Janey shared: "It’s a bit painful getting eliminated but nothing else has mattered more than spending the time with Maddie.”
Monday night on MKR: The Italian showdown we’ve all been waiting for. Fussy friends Mike and Pete take on modern Italians Simone and Viviana in a battle for the last spot in the MKR Grand Final.
MKR Semi-final two 7.30pm Monday
Grand Final 7.30pm Tuesday on Channel 7 and 7plus
It is interesting that the results of the two semi finals were decided on consensus between Manu and Colin, rather than based on scores.
If there was a score, I think Caz and Fergus would have won by 3 points.
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Pride and passion as Simone and Viviana advance to Grand Final
Mike and Pete say ciao to MKR
Modern Italians Simone and Viviana triumphed in tonight’s MKR semi-final, setting up an epic Grand Final battle against mother and son Caz and Fergus from 7.30pm Tuesday, 19 November on Channel 7 and 7plus.
Tonight’s clash – the Italian showdown we’ve all been waiting for – saw Simone and Viviana and Mike and Pete face off over three courses in Kitchen HQ.
Before the elimination-cook off, an emotional Viviana said: “It has already been an incredible journey. Being at the semi-finals with my best friend has been the best experience of my life no matter how this goes.” Focused, Simone said: “I have only one thing in my mind. We are obsessed with winning this competition.”
“For Italians, family is absolutely everything. I care about Simo so much. We are like brother and sister,” Viviana added.
The battle was intense as Mike and Pete came out guns blazing, ready to make the most of their hard-fought 15-minute advantage from the last Kitchen HQ battle.
Judges Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge praised Simone and Viviana’s Gnocco Fritto with Carpaccio Di Manzo (Beef Carpaccio with airy puffs of Fried Dough) for entrée. Manu said: “I love the flavour, love the combination of ingredients on the plate. Absolutely delicious,” but he admitted the oil needed to be hotter for a crispier dough.
Mike and Pete’s Salmon Tartare with Balsamic Pearls and Crostini entrée was hit and miss. After initial reservations, the judges agreed the unusual favour of passionfruit in the dressing worked, however, the crostini lacked love.
Simone and Viviana’s main, Risotto Salsiccia with Taleggio and Porcini, was a gamble. Colin admitted: “I was worried you made it too early, and it was going to overcook, but it still had a little bit of bite to the rice.” Colin praised the “beautiful” porcini, adding the taleggio was “the star of that dish.”
Manu added: “It was still not a perfect risotto. I think you could have easily added another ladle or two of stock in there.”
Mike and Pete struggled with their main dish, Crumbed Scotch Fillet with Mashed Potato and Pickled Cabbage, and it showed on the plate. Colin acknowledged the fillet was “cooked well” but the lack of seasoning and thick crumb let the whole dish down.
With so much on the line, both judges agreed the mains were not up to semi-final standard.
It all came down to dessert as Simone and Viviana soared with their “textbook perfection” Rum Baba with Chantilly Cream dessert. Colin said: “This was a lesson in baked goods. It’s not an easy dish, very technical, but it was packed full of flavour.” Manu agreed the star dish had “a beautiful balance of flavour.”
Although Mike and Pete’s Ruby Chocolate Tart with Strawberry Ice Cream was “one of the best” ice creams Colin had competition, the pastry was too thick on the tart, and the dish couldn’t compare to Simone and Vivana’s stunning effort.
One step closer to MKR victory, Viviana was overwhelmed: "It feels unreal. Honestly, I cannot believe that we are Grand Finalists!”
Simone added: “We have worked very hard for it. I am very proud of us.”
Departing MKR, Pete said: “We’ve enjoyed almost every moment. It’s been a wild, wild ride!” Mike added: “It’s back to reality. I’m really proud of you, Pete.”
Tomorrow on MKR: It’s Grand Final time. Conquerors of Kitchen HQ, Caz and Fergus, take on Simone and Viviana, the record-breaking Italians. Special guest judge Julie Goodwin joins Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge to determine who will be crowned MKR champions and win a life-changing $100,000 prize.
MKR Grand Final 7.30pm Tuesday on Channel 7 and 7plus
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Two years on it hasn’t taken long for criticism around the table to become tense. But Chief Content Officer Brook Hall tells TV Tonight there is a clear distinction.
“I’ve been asked this in the past. I don’t mean this in as disparaging way to MAFS, but it went down that path of personal conflict and high emotion stakes. This show, if there’s going to be differences at the table, it stays in the food realm,” he insists.
“Naturally, some people get very offended when someone goes ‘I don’t think that was a very good dish.’ But the comments are staying in that lane. They are not talking about somebody’s personal appearance, which is where it went. It’s considered criticism about the the skill of cooking food, and I think that is okay and it’s not nasty.
(You can see that the image of Kitchen HQ is projected on a white screen behind the team, when it does the narration)
It was a pretty tense semi final last night. Both teams made errors during their cook, while Mike and Pete used their time advantage (five minute headstart over their rivals) wisely but got complacent during the prep for the main and the dessert.
Happy #MKR Grand Final Day to all those who celebrate!
a relative was watching the midday encore and just before revealing the winner during the final ad break, the very first ad was apparently the Grand Final ad for tonight with the winner of last nights episode shown first.
Why do shows/channels continue to spoil the last episode, especially during the encore episode
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Simone and Viviana crowned 2024 MKR champions
Life-changing win for best friends
Tonight, Simone and Viviana were crowned MKR champions, taking the coveted title and $100,00 prize money after a fierce contest in Kitchen HQ. The modern Italians scored 27/30, with only two points separating them from runners-up Caz and Fergus.
In awe of their win, Viviana said: “This experience has completely changed our life.”
Looking at his partner and friends watching on, Simone said: “I’m so happy to have shared this with Viviana and all our friends. Amore, Amore. We did this one for you.”
A beaming Simone then revealed: “I just found out I’m going to become a dad. My beautiful partner Victoria is pregnant. It’s mind-blowing.”
Added Viviana: “I walked into this challenge with a best friend and came out of it with a brother. I could not be happier.”
Judges Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge were joined in the grand final by special guest judge, acclaimed cookbook author and Australia’s favourite home cook, Julie Goodwin.
Both teams demonstrated “skill, bravery, and flavour” cooking four courses – entrée, seafood, meat and dessert – totalling 100 plates of food as they battled the clock.
Simone and Viviana’s masterful menu showcased their passion, respect for their heritage and technical finesse. Julie said: “It was a joy to eat your food tonight.”
Caz and Fergus’ flavour-packed, creative and vibrant menu also impressed the judges.
Caz said: “I’m incredibly proud of both of us. It was never going to be easy today.” To his mum, Fergus said: “I wouldn’t have got here without you. No regrets.”
Simone and Viviana’s “perfectly cooked” Lobster and Guanciale Taco entrée was a standout dish. Manu praised the balance of flavour, as Colin savoured the “beautiful crunch.” Julie said: “Every mouthful was an adventure.”
Simone, who recently became an Australian citizen, revealed: “We give credit to Australia. They introduced us to surf and turf, so we wanted to create this dish.”
Caz and Fergus served Fergburger Spring Rolls with Gochujang Aioli (cheeseburger filling inside a spring roll with hot aioli) for entrée. The “very on-trend” and “addictive” dish brought a smile to Colin’s face.
Simone and Viviana plated up “pasta perfection” with their seafood dish, Cappellacci Fagioli E Cozze (beans and mussels). Colin applauded the “beautiful and creamy” white bean filling alongside “the saltiness and little smack of the mussel.” Julie declared it “masterful cooking”, telling the modern Italians their pasta-making skills were "next level.”
Caz and Fergus chose Chargrilled Lemongrass Prawns with Vietnamese Chimichurri for their seafood course. Colin commended the “simple but elegant dish.” Julie praised the perfectly cooked prawns and “awesome” chimichurri. Manu admired the flavour combination but suggested they should have made the grill hotter “to add a bit of toasting flavour.”
Simone and Viviana’s meat dish – Lamb Rump with Pecorino Zabaione and Asparagus – was unconventional. Simone revealed: “We decided to bring this to the Grand Final because we want to serve dishes that haven’t been seen before. We want to bring innovation.”
The perfectly cooked and beautifully seasoned lamb showcased Simone and Vivana’s culinary skills. Manu praised the “brilliant” addition of the zabaione and pecorino foam. Colin’s highlight was the “crispy lamb fat”, but all the judges agreed the asparagus was rushed and needed more seasoning.
Caz and Fergus chose Szechuan Beef Short Rib with Shallot Flatbread and Cabbage for their meat course, which the judges admitted was “perfectly cooked, juicy and flavoursome.”
For their dessert course, Simone and Viviana stunned the judges with a technical feat of Paris-Brest with Hazelnut Praline Cream (choux bun filled with hazelnut cream). Manu called the “top-notch dessert” his favourite dish of their four courses. Julie agreed: “I could have eaten that all day long.”
Manu admired Caz and Fergus’ creativity with their dessert of Tamarind Date Cake with White Soy Caramel and Coconut Pandan Sorbet. Julie said their dessert was “generous and delicious,” but did fault the cake’s texture.
Manu told both teams: “I want you to know that you have done a brilliant job. You should all be very proud of what you have achieved.”
| Judges’ Scores | |
|---|---|
| Simone and Viviana | 27/30 |
| Manu Feildel | 9 |
| Colin Fassnidge | 9 |
| Julie Goodwin | 9 |
| Caz and Fergus | 25/30 |
| Manu Feildel | 8 |
| Colin Fassnidge | 9 |
| Julie Goodwin | 8 |
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They really rushed through the finale so the episode could finish in under two hours, including ad breaks. I estimated that apart from the intro, each course including cooking and judgment took approximately 20 minutes.
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As revealed by Simone in tonight’s grand final, he and partner Victoria are expecting their first child.
UPDATE: Simone told Yahoo Lifestyle that he planned to use his half of the $100,000 cash towards raising his son, while Viviana wanted to use her half to put down a deposit for an apartment.
Two hours of cooking is a rush through?
Grand finals of some past seasons had gone beyond two hours.
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I think it’s smarter to keep the show short and sweet. Nobody is asking for realty shows to be longer. Especially not longer than 2 hours.
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Agree, I was surprised it was shorter.
I’m not surprised at the outcome though, I had a feeling after the Instant Restaurant round that Simone & Viviana would win it.
Despite Simone and Viviana’s poor time management (they only started making dessert during prep time for the third course), it was their innovation which helped snatch the win.
Colin Fassnidge confirmed to Yahoo Lifestyle that not only will he be returning to the show in 2025, but he loves the idea of Curtis Stone and Gordon Ramsay sitting on the judging panel.
Caz revealed she originally applied twice to appear on the show with her sister, before pairing up with son Fergus.
My Kitchen Rules serves up a winning recipe
Australia’s #1 cooking show reaches 9.8 million in 2024, delivers biggest audience since 2019
The Seven Network’s My Kitchen Rules has taken the crown as Australia’s #1 cooking show, with the 2024 season reaching 9.8 million people and drawing its biggest audience since 2019.
This year’s series ended on a high last night, with Simone and Viviana victory in the Grand Final reaching 1.85 million and attracting an average audience of 1.13 million, up 9% on last year’s Grand Final and also the biggest number since 2019.
More than 116,900 people watched the Grand Final on 7plus, a record number and up 87% on last year.
Across its 2024 season, My Kitchen Rules was up 4% on last year, including 49% jump on 7plus. It joins Australian Idol, Farmer Wants A Wife, The Front Bar and the TV WEEK Logie Awards on the list of key Seven entertainment shows that have grown their audiences this year.
Seven Network’s Director of Content, Unscripted, Majella Hay, said: “Real food, great home cooks, Manu and Colin were a fantastic combination again this year and Australia responded, making this year’s My Kitchen Rules the best and the biggest in five years.
“Thank you to our wonderful judges and home cooks, and to everyone at Seven and ITV Studios for creating such great entertainment. We can’t wait for the 2025 season.”
Seven’s National Television Sales Director, Katie Finney, said: “My Kitchen Rules wouldn’t have been possible without the support and commitment of our major partners Spotlight, Woolworths and – for the first time – Lurpak, plus our sponsors Kaboodle Kitchens and Sensodyne. Thank you to all of them.
“My Kitchen Rules is the perfect platform to integrate brands authentically, giving the contestants in the competition what they need to shine and inspiring our audiences to take action – whether it’s cooking the recipes from the show or drawing style inspiration from the contestants’ instant home restaurants.”
My Kitchen Rules is produced for Seven by ITV Studios Australia and will return in 2025.
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