MasterChef Fans and Favourites is getting down to the wire, with just three sensational home chefs left in the competition.
Heading into the finale week, TV WEEK sat down with judge Andy Allen, who weighed up the strength and weaknesses of final three Daniel Lamble, Sarah Todd and Billie McKay.
“Sarah’s secret weapon is her use of spices in her cooking.”
(Image: Ten)Sarah Todd
“Sarah is an expert in marrying Indian flavours with French technique, and it’s obvious that she is super passionate about these two things. When she merges them together perfectly, she’s untouchable. Her secret weapon is her use of spices in her cooking,” Andy says.
“I don’t think I’ve seen a more naturally talented cook with a spice rack in front of her. For me, her stand out dish was her butter poached lobster with Indian flavours. This was the first I’d seen of Sarah using her signature technique. When she presented the dish to us, it was right then and there that we all realised that Sarah had the potential to win the competition.
.jpg?resize=380%2C285)
“Her only downfall is her self-belief. Despite having the skill, we’ve seen her struggle to trust her ability, causing her strife in the competition.”
“When Billie is put under pressure her cooking goes to a whole new level.”
(Image: Ten)Billie McKay
“When Billie is put under pressure her cooking goes to a whole new level. She’s always consistent, but when you turn up the pressure dial a couple of notches, she really turns it on and that is a big strength in this competition,” Andy says.
“But Billie’s weakness is that she doesn’t always stick to the brief. A few times this season we saw Billie cook probably the tastiest dish of the day, however she failed on hitting the brief which left her in trouble.
“During the competition, she’s made many stand out dishes. Her parfait desserts where she introduces spices or savoury elements – BANGING! Her choux buns – BANGING! Her numerous savoury dishes which could sit perfectly on her countryside bistro menu – BANGING!”
Daniel Lamble
“To be successful as a first timer in the MasterChef kitchen, you need to be fearless in every single situation. Daniel has got this, and I think it’s a huge reason why he’s been able to go deep in the competition,” Andy says.
“Although he’s up against two strong MasterChef favourites, his ability to always be sucking up information and learning has been invaluable, helping him create cracker dishes like his peanut butter and bacon choc top which was seriously tasty.
“Daniel’s room for improvement is found in the kitchen when things don’t go to plan. But if he keeps his cool and trusts in himself, he could come out on top.”
“If he keeps his cool and trusts in himself, he could come out on top.”
(Image: Ten)