Sam’s methodical and calm demeanour served him well during his time in the intense MasterChef kitchen.
While on the show, he won a mystery box challenge and an invention test. Yet tonight, it was Sam’s turn to say goodbye. TV WEEK caught up with the 25-year-old construction coordinator to find out what’s next.
How did you find the whole MasterChef experience?
Intense and difficult – but amazing at the same time. All of us are in this MasterChef bubble. You get to know each other so well that it becomes a completely new world outside of normal life, and makes it so tough when people go home each week.
Favourite moment from your time on the show?
My favourite moments on the show were probably those not shown on the TV! Life in the MasterChef house is a huge part of the experience, but doesn’t get exposed to those watching at home. Having a laugh with other contestants at home was undoubtedly my favourite part of the experience.
Most embarrassing moment?
I went through a phase where I lost motivation, and a little of my love for cooking. During this time I served a pineapple cake with ice-cream to David Thompson – he said it was “like his grandmother’s cooking”. This wasn’t my proudest moment.
What dish are you most proud of?
My proudest individual dish would either be my beetroot and chocolate dessert from Sweet Week, or the water-inspired crème fraiche and blueberry dessert I did in Heston Week.
What is your relationship like with the other contestants? Who were you close to?
I generally got along with everyone in the house but automatically formed a click with Samuel and Pete – they’re very similar to the boys I’m friends with at home so it was nice to have something vaguely familiar.
Who was your biggest competition and why?
To an extent everyone’s biggest competition is their own head. If you can control your own emotions then you’ve got half of what it takes to go on and win it. Contestant-wise, I think Diana and Sarah have been two of the strongest cooks since the start of the competition.
Did you have a favourite judge?
I probably bonded most with Matt as we have a mutual love for the Bellarine Peninsula. I grew up down in Ocean Grove and he has a holiday house down that way too, so we used to often chat on-set about our favourite food spots down there.
Which judge did you find most intimidating and why?
George does have this intense stare he does, where it feels like he’s looking into your soul.
What did you miss most while in the competition?
Outside of family and friends, the thing I missed most was being able to wander down the street for a nice relaxed breakfast and coffee on the weekend. And surfing, I missed surfing.
What’s next for you?
Long-term I want to open a casual café/restaurant down on the Bellarine Peninsula. Before doing so I want to experience work in a real commercial kitchen. I also haven’t travelled Europe or South America yet so would love to experience their food cultures before pursuing my own venture.
