Eliminated Contestants of MasterChef Australia

Audra couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go compete in

MasterChef

for a second time.

Following her time on the show, she’s been a judge on

MasterChef Singapore

and

MasterChef Asia

, and said it was daunting being on the other side of the bench.

After reaching the top 10, she was sent home just before the contestants found out they were going to Qatar.

Despite her elimination, she told the judges she felt “really good”.

“I mean, I came in to express and show the simplicity of cultural cuisine, and that food doesn’t always have to be complicated,” she said.

She said the experience pushed her outside of her comfort zone.

“13 years ago, I embarked on this journey to discover my dream,” she continued on
Instagram
.

“Since then, I’ve followed my heart, connected with and cooked for people from all over. I’ve said yes to pretty everything that came my way but only if it aligned with who I was.

She continued by saying she was grateful for the experience, and thanked the crew, contestants and judges.

Andre returned to

MasterChef

with the desire to reignite his passion for cooking after being preoccupied with managing his restaurants.

His comeback marked 16 years since he first stepped into the famous kitchen; and he was ready to give it his all.

“I didn’t think it would be this hard! It doesn’t matter how much experience you have in a commercial kitchen, this is a very different ballgame. I think everyone who’s stepped in that kitchen deserves kudos,” he exclusively told

New Idea

.

It was a different set-up from his usual workplace.

“Not knowing 
what you’re gonna 
be doing for the day, being thrown curveballs as far as what the challenges are and the conditions of the challenge… and then you also have to run around, get your ingredients, get your equipment, and then you have to cook,” he continued.

While he made it to the top 10, he was then eliminated in a gruelling pressure test.

“I’ve been eliminated, I’m devastated, but I’ve come so far in the competition,” he said on the show.

“I came in here with no expectations and got to the top 10, so I’m feeling pretty invigorated.”

He also expressed his gratitude to his wife and children for supporting him through this journey.

Declan returned to

MasterChef

with his heart on his sleeve, ready to showcase his evolution as a cook.

Week after week, he brought passion, creativity and joy to every cook.

Sadly, he just missed out on being a part of the top 10, and was sent home in a challenge set by Maggie Beer.

“Walking through those

MasterChef

doors took exactly that 20 seconds of courage,” he wrote on
Instagram after his elimination.
“I had no idea where it would lead, but I knew I’d regret not giving it a crack.

“This chapter may be closing, but what a ride it’s been. I’m proud of what I put up, what I learnt, and the people I shared it with.”

While he was sad to go, it did not mark the end of his cooking journey.

“I came here to win, but I think looking at it now, I came here to bring joy and put smiles on everyone’s faces,” he said to the judges.

“But, it’s not the end, it is just the beginning for me. I think I’m peak Declan at the moment, and definitely a force to be reckoned with.”

As for what he plans to do next? Open up his seafood bistro.

On the personal front, he is living with his
partner and fellow contestant Sarah Todd
, and
spending time with her son Phoenix.

It was a dream come true for Theo to return to the

MasterChef

kitchen, having competed only years prior.

Affectionately known as the “bread boy”, he was determined to showcase his baking skills, as well as his Greek heritage.

Unfortunately, he was sent home in a cook-along challenge, which Curtis Stone led.

“There’s a weird energy about this kitchen when you walk in, it’s like anxiety hits you like a brick wall, but it also this amazing feeling of rallying together with these people, and talking about food all the time,” he said when he was eliminated.

While he was sad to leave, he had no regrets.

“I think the biggest takeaway from the competition this time around is it’s not the end of the world if you make a mistake, it really isn’t. It’s just obstacles, you get around them and you live to fight another day,” he said.

Now, the electrician is ready to see his girlfriend and make his bakery dreams a reality.

Returning to

MasterChef

was a dream come true for Beau, after being a part of the show in 2012.

The professional firefighter and
cookbook author
brought creativity, flair and finesse to every challenge.

Unfortunately, he was sent home in a heartbreaking elimination.

Although his journey on the show came to an end, he was thankful to return.

“I’m actually shocked that I made it this far. It’s been really good,” he said, adding that being with the other contestants was a highlight.

“I’m absolutely proud of myself. It was wild competing on

MasterChef

for a second time, I didn’t think that would ever happen.”

Now, he is set to launch his newest venture WILDPOINT Drinks, in July.

According to Instagram, the business is Australian-owned, and the drinks will be made entirely from Australian lemons.

Samira has always taught her children about the importance of not giving up, so she wanted to bring that energy to

MasterChef

.

Knowing the commitment it takes to film the show for months on end, she was initially hesitant but decided to throw her hat into the ring.

“I still see myself as the same cook that I always saw myself as. If anything, this competition has taught me to have more confidence just within myself and my message and my food to be honest,” she exclusively told

New Idea

.

When she competed for the first time, she suffered from post-natal depression and wanted to make big changes for herself.

She told us that the second time around, she was determined to promote a specific message.

“This time around, I wanted to promote more multiculturalism, inclusion, and diversity,” she said.

“And I wanted to show the food for what it truly was to be able to promote my culture for what it truly is. Like with more of the larger humbling meals that were more ethnic, more welcoming.”

Kindness and sustainability were also at the forefront of her mind.

Always impressing the judges with her hearty and delicious meals, Samira was sadly eliminated.

While she said she would have done her final dish differently, she embraced every minute of her return to the show.

“I absolutely love the experience. It was completely different to the first time around. I think a lot of us were a lot more mature,” she said about returning 12 years after her

MasterChef

debut.

After the show, Samira is ready to travel and showcase different cultures and their food on her social media channels. She also plans to showcase sustainable and cost-effective dishes people can make at home.

Returning to

MasterChef

a year after his debut, Darrsh was ready to showcase how much he had grown.

Determined to chase his food dream, he moved from Perth to Melbourne after first appearing on the show. With that, he moved in with his fellow contestants Nat Thaipun and David Tan.

Known as the king of desserts, he dished up food that was flavoursome and refined, and also showcased his skills in savoury cooking.

Unfortunately, his choux pastry fell short during viral week.

“Meeting all of these amazing people, it’s been very inspiring to be around, and I think just having that energy to be around you really motivates you and I’m really excited for what’s next,” he said.

“I’m definitely going to use this experience to change my life going forward,” he continued.

He then revealed that he planned to fill a gap in Melbourne’s food scene and start a cookie business with David.

Being asked to return to the

MasterChef

kitchen was an honour for Tim, and something beyond his “wildest dreams”.

The Ballarat local and the proud owner of Tim’s Toasties was ready to embrace the experience.

Although he was sad to be eliminated from the show, he would not change a thing.

“The standard was just so high. I was just hanging on for dear life, just trying to do food that I was super proud of and that the judges liked,” he exclusively told

New Idea

in an exit interview.

While he loved returning, he said he wished he embraced it more and got out of his own head.

“I never cooked the best dish of the day in a challenge. I never won a challenge and I think I was just striving to get to that point,” he explained.

“I was just putting so much pressure on myself and looking back I think I should have just relaxed more and just really enjoyed the process.”

Despite his time being cut short, he was thankful for it all.

“It’s because of

MasterChef

that I’ve gotten to where I am today and I just cherish the chefs so much, the judges, the crew, and just the whole process and I wouldn’t change anything for the world,” he said.

The father of two said it was also a great chance to show his young boys to follow their dreams.

After the show, he’s gearing up to film another season of

Good Chef Bad Chef

, and is focusing on his Tim’s Toasties store. Keep your eyes peeled, because he’s planning some dessert toasties!

Rue told

New Idea

that returning to

MasterChef

felt like “lightning struck twice”, and it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

Overjoyed to return, she said it was “like a better internship”, and the chance to build on her skills.

Unfortunately, she was sent home in a heartbreaking elimination.

Reflecting on the experience, the only regret she had was holding back in the kitchen with the mindset that she would cook again.

“I am very grateful for the experience, other than that, there is nothing I regret, I just wish I put my best foot forward,” she said.

Along with the friends she made along the way, she said a major highlight was cooking for Peter Gilmore.

She felt self-doubt throughout the competition, and explained that the judges and the other contestants helped her through that and self-belief.

“I just have to say that they really reinforced that resilience in me,” she said about Andy and Poh in particular, because of their experiences as contestants.

Now, she has her sights on training in pastry in France, which will help her fulfil her dreams of opening a dessert bar in Perth.

Her creations will use French techniques and focus on flavours across the globe.

With her macaron business on pause at the moment, she told

New Idea

that they would definitely be on her future menu.

“I love that desserts challenge me a bit,” she said, adding that it gave her free reign and the chance to be creative.

Rhiannon was determined to have fun when she returned to

MasterChef

for a second time and took everything in.

However, she was sent home in an emotional elimination.

She exclusively told

New Idea

that she should have stuck to her original surf and turf-inspired dish, but was “rattled” when Andy Allen and Josh Niland visited her bench 20 minutes before the challenge ended.

Despite her journey being cut short, she had no regrets. Recovering from surgery while the show was filmed, she said she was proud of herself for pushing through it.

During her time on the show, she also said one of her favourite dishes she prepared was
her gozleme, because she was taught by Turkish aunties
. It was extra special because she learned those techniques in a workshop, which was set up by
former judge Jock Zonfrillo.

Rhiannon told

New Idea

that she initially made the dish in her first stint on the show, and he suggested that she perfect the pastry.

Reflecting on her first and second time on the show, she said he had a profound impact on her.

“I feel like Jock was the one that I learned the most from and I always think about what he taught me whenever I cook now, like all the time,” she explained.

“And I guess it would have been nice for him to see exactly what I’ve done in the last couple of years, and that a lot of it is attributed to him and his guidance and mentorship.”

Another highlight for the Townsville local was her friendships with other contestants, particularly Declan, with whom she speaks weekly.

“He’s just become a really, really good friend, and I think we’ve both had some hard times and just been there for each other,” the water-skiing champion said.

Following her time on the show, she is gearing up to travel around Australia with her husband and daughter for her upcoming YouTube Channel Rhiplenish on the Road.

Passionate about showcasing local farmers and producers, she said it would be a mix of “all things, lifestyle, cooking, water skiing”, as well as highlighting the beauty of Australia.

She also has some cooking demonstrations planned.

Jimmy has always brought flair and finesse to all of his creations in the

MasterChef

kitchen.

When he returned to the show, he was determined to deliver his best and impress the judges.

Unfortunately, he was sent home in a
technical pressure test set by pastry chef Steven He.

Although he was devastated that his journey came to an end, Jimmy was grateful for the opportunity to come back.

“I’m guttered, but you know what, what an absolute privilege it has been to be a part of this amazing experience,” he told everyone on the show.

Being on

MasterChef

once again ignited his passion and gave him a “renewed vigour” for cooking and food photography, he said. It also inspired him not to give up on his food dreams.

“I may not have won, but I am so glad that I came back. This experience is irreplaceable,” he said.

When Matt received the call with an offer to return to the

MasterChef Australia

kitchen, he said it was “out of the blue” and something he never considered—but he couldn’t say no.

Reflecting on his journey on the show, he told

New Idea

that it was a “once in a lifetime experience” the first time around, and very much so the second time.

“It was pretty easy to say yes,” he said. “The kitchen is such a magical place where you get to experiment and to be creative, you get to put yourself out there, you have amazing ingredients, you’ve got these judges who are guiding and pushing, and some of these fantastic judges from all over the world, you can’t say no.”

His journey was however cut short in an elimination.

Looking back on it all, he said he could have put his Bombe Alaska meringue in the oven earlier, but he had no regrets.

“It’s one part guttered and 10 parts excited and proud,” he said, adding that it was important to push himself.

Along with cooking alongside Gordon Ramsay, another key highlight for the associate professor and dental public health expert was cooking with and learning from other contestants.

“To take a risk is always a really good life lesson to put yourself out there, you never know where the opportunity will land,” he said.

Looking forward to taking a breather after his whirlwind experience, Matt told

New Idea

that he was passionate about bringing health and food together and was teaching after the show.

Going into the

MasterChef

kitchen for a second time was exciting for Steph because she felt more established and “much more in control”.

The chef, who is known as the
“Frugal Foodie”
on social media, was ready to embrace the experience and was thrilled to connect with former contestants she watched before going on the show.

“The biggest highlight was meeting all of the old contestants,” she exclusively told

New Idea

the morning after her on-screen elimination.

While she created a series of delicious dishes with her signature flair through the course of the competition, she was ultimately sent home after the flavours in her crispy pork belly dish were too powerful for the judges.

Although her journey was cut short, she told

New Idea

she had no regrets.

“I wouldn’t do a single thing differently… I cooked six cracker dishes. I was so happy with them, I got fantastic feedback from the judges on every dish except the last one, I had a really good time, learned some things along the way from other contestants, and I really enjoyed myself,” she said.

Another key highlight was honouring her sister Therese, who she lost to motor neurone disease in 2022, during the competition. Steph explained that her sister was there with her when she auditioned for

MasterChef

and was “such a big supporter of mine all the way through”.

During the show, she said her online cooking journey was extra special because she shared months of it with her sister before she passed.

“I dedicated
my first book
to her, and I feel like she’s looking out for me all the time,” she said.

So what’s next after leaving the show?

She’s got brand partnerships lined up, has been busy with her latest book

Easy Dinner Queen

and is launching a meal-plan subscription service for her followers in July that will focus on weekly budget and supermarket-friendly meal plans.

Returning to the

MasterChef

kitchen, Savindri was determined to honour her Sri Lankan culture and heritage and to not give up.

When she came back, she wowed the judges with her vibrant and delicious dishes, particularly her midnight snack “Slosh n Smash”.

Unfortunately, she was sent home in a pressure test, which was set by dessert legend Kirsten Tibballs

Reflecting on her journey on Instagram after the elimination, Savindri said she was proud.

“It was an honour to have a chance to attempt this incredible recipe,” she said about her chocolate and caviar dish.

The private chef said before returning, she was afraid to own her successes, but regained her confidence in the kitchen.

“I walk away as a version of Sav that’s shown up authentically and unapologetically, that has honoured her mother & her culture again & again, a version of Sav that has made new friends and isn’t so burdened by grief,” she wrote in the post.

When Cath returned to the

MasterChef

kitchen, she was determined to challenge herself.

Cooking with joy is always at the forefront of her mind when she’s creating food, but unfortunately, her time was cut short in the kitchen.

She was the first contestant to be formally eliminated on May 4, after she served her Japanese mushroom dish, which contained some mushrooms that were more burned than her desire for them to be charred.

Speaking exclusively to

New Idea

after her departure, she said it was a “simple” mistake.

“I’d probably trust my instincts a bit sooner, I sort of second-guessed myself with some of the elements that I did put on my final dish, and I think that cost me in that moment,” she said.

Although she returned for a short time, Cath said she gained so much. Cooking along with Gordon Ramsay was a highlight.

“That was… I don’t even know how you could surpass that… just that cook-along challenge was so much fun, and he was an absolute delight. He really is a softie deep down, he was really caring,” she explained.

As for what’s next?

She plans to continue her home cooking classes under
Cath’s Kitchen
, which she established after her first time on

MasterChef

, hopes to release some cookbooks and keep doing work with charities. After becoming close to the other contestants, Cath plans to collaborate with them in the future.

“I just felt really proud and humbled that I was asked back,” she said.

Pete was determined to return to the competition to show the judges and Australia what he was made of after he came second to Justin Narayan in 2021.

However, he withdrew from the competition early after being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.

According to the Cancer Council, it is a rare cancer that impacts the lymphatic system.

Speaking exclusively to our sister publication

Woman’s Day

, the father of two said he was initially checked for swollen lymph nodes, which were cleared as a non-issue more than a year later.

“Eventually, a haematologist suggested removing a lymph node for thorough analysis, and this was when the Hodgkin’s lymphoma was discovered,” he explained.

He announced his cancer diagnosis on
Instagram in January
with the caption: “New look for my cancer/chemo era… Hodgkin’s lymphoma, you dog.”

The former tattoo artist told

Woman’s Day

he had “no other symptoms” and it was a “complete shock”. He admitted that he had asked if it was possible to start treatment after the competition.

“She told me I’d possibly die, and that’s when the severity of the situation really hit me and replaced the disappointment. From there, I just wanted to start treatment as soon as possible and get better for my family,” he said, and revealed he started chemotherapy after he left.

Judge
Andy Allen
announced Pete’s departure during the April 30 episode and said it was for “personal reasons”.

Following up on his
departure on Instagram
, he wrote: “Didn’t even get to cook for the judges! But you know what they say… ‘if you have cancer, you should go get chemo’. A massive thank you to everyone messaging and checking in, you’re all so nice X.”