MasterChef Australia is shaping up to be a fierce and gruelling competition in 2024.
Weโve just reached the all-important top 10 milestone, and Womanโs Day sat down with the contestants to find out how they feel about reaching this monumental moment in the show.
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Josh P
43, Butcher, TAS
Josh admits, โI feel super pumped and excited to have made it to the Top 10. I definitely didnโt see myself making it to this stage of the competition as Iโm just a country boy from Tassie who loves to cook for fun.โ
Despite his success so far, the journey hasnโt been easy for Josh.
โI think the most challenging stage of the competition is the pressure tests and thinking of different dishes to cook at the drop of a hat,โ he says.
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Lachlan
34, Landscape Gardener, VIC
For viewers, this stage is the most exciting part of the show. As for whatโs next, Lachan says, โBetter dishes, fierce competition and some extra exciting guests!โ
Before the competition started, the gardener-turned-chef didnโt see himself making it this far.
โMaking the top 10 was a goal of mine before the competition started,โ he says. โIt feels amazing to get here, especially from a home cook who loves to cook over fire.โ
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Alex
27, Sales Representative, WA
While MasterChef is a competition, itโs also a place where lasting friendships are forged.
Alex shares, โYou form such a close bond with everyone and everybody offers something different to the group. With each person leaving, a little piece of our family dynamic leaves with them.โ
This camaraderie is evident as the competition progresses, and itโs common to see contestants cheering for their peers โ even as they all vie for the top spot!
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Nat
28, Barista, VIC
Those who make it past the initial rounds are not just good cooks, each plate they present is a testament to their heritage, passions and dreams.
Nat agrees, saying, โHonestly, itโs a little dreamy, isnโt it? I keep having to pinch myself to make sure itโs real.
โIn the grand scheme of things, itโs just a moment, but right now, itโs my moment I really need to process so I can remember this feeling as much as I can.โ
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Gillian
31, Lettering Artist, NSW
As the competition heats up, the Top 10 contestants are now in the spotlight, facing even tougher challenges and more critical evaluations.
Gillian says, โReaching the Top 10, which was my only goal other than aiming for the big win, confirms that my hustle mentality and all the hard work Iโve put in was worth it.โ
Their journey on MasterChef is far from over, but each step brings them closer to the ultimate prizeโฆ
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Harry
29, Commercial Property Specialist, QLD
Within a whirlwind of mystery box challenges, pressure tests, and team challenges, the kitchen becomes the place where culinary skills are honed under intense scrutiny from judges.
Harry tells Womanโs Day, โThe pressure test set by Anna Polyviou pushed me to my limits, but the mostโฏchallenging thing for me so far is being away from my wife before and after our wedding.โ
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Mimi
25, High School Teacher, NSW
Hundreds, if not thousands, of aspiring chefs try to land a coveted spot in the MasterChef kitchen, and Mimi admits sheโs a tad intimidated competing at this level.
โIโve been in the bottom twice now and Iโve told my mother Iโm probably coming home more than once,โ she says.
โFunny how skewed your brain voice can beโฆ Iโm working hard on building confidence to go for the home run!โ
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Savindri
30, Banking Consultant, SA
For many, cooking is a deeply personal endeavour tied to family traditions and cultural heritage, like Savindri, who has wowed the judges with her Sri Lankan flavours.
She tells Womanโs Day, โI always thought that I had the gumption to make it to the Top 10, but Iโm also surrounded by so much talent and skill it really could have been anyoneโs game โ it really does just come down to who does the best on the day.โ
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Darrsh
31, Management Consultant, WA
From the very first challenge, these contestants faced fierce competition.
Darrsh says, โThe goals I set myself coming in were โ donโt leave first, make the Top 10, and win it all. I feel like the Top 10 really elucidates the experience and makes you feel like youโve made it.โ
His recipe for success so far? โIt was all about keeping a level head and taking it a day at a time โ I knew if I did that, Iโd be able to go deep.โ
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Sumeet
46, Sales Manager, NSW
Whether itโs creating a gourmet dish from a limited selection of ingredients or perfectly replicating a complex recipe from a world-class chef, the pressure is immense, but itโs in this environment that the Top 10 contestants can really shine.
โI thrive in challenges, so while they have been tough, I have really enjoyed every minute of it,โ says Sumeet.
โTop 10 is a significant milestone.โ
MasterChef Australia airs Sunday to Wednesday, 7:30pm, on Channel 10 and 10 Play.