It’s episode 45 of MasterChef Australia 2023 and one person has been pipped at the post juuuuust before Finals Week.

After having travelled around regional Victoria for last week’s episodes, the remaining contestants — Brent, Cath, Rhiannon and Theo returned to the kitchen for a huge day, given that the top five would become the top four.

The challenge was a culinary tournament of epic proportions, where all but Declan (who won Immunity during episode 44), competed in two separate head-to-head duels.

With 75 minutes on the clock, and one mysterious ingredient they both must cook with, time was of the essence.

The winners of each cook-off then earned a spot in Finals Week, while the two who lost, faced off in a round two duel that sadly saw someone leave the kitchen.

Duel One

The two-round elimination began with a ‘dual duel’ where pairs were selected at random to cook head-to-head.

Cath and Theo battled it out with a dish that had to feature Dijon mustard while Brent and Rhiannon competed to create the best dish that featured anchovy. 

Dijon Duel

Cath presented her Dijon Glazed Trout with Potato and Fennel Salad. Judge Mel Leong called the dish “elegant”; however, it needed more balance. Andy Allen said the sauce was great but Jock Zonfrillo said she “just missed out on the brief”.

Theo then presented his Pan Seared Kingfish with Dijon Sauce and Dill Oil. Andy said he hit the brief “out of the park” and Jock said it was “very nice”.

Anchovy Duel

Rhiannon was the first to put up her dish, a Grilled Chicken with Anchovy Salsa. Mel said she came in “guns blazing”, delivering “brilliant food”; while Andy said the anchovy salsa was great.

Brent was up next with his Lobster and Anchovy Pasta. He was concerned about his “frantic” cook, and the Judges were left wanting once they tasted it.

Duel One — Verdict

Theo and Rhiannon were named the next two to head to Finals Week, with Cath and Brent competing in the second duel.

Duel Two — Brent and Cath

With Rhiannon and Theo safely up in the gantry, Cath and Brent battled it out in round two. With 75 minutes on the clock, they had to bring the judges their best dish of the competition.

After the cook, Cath was emotional, saying her dish was “full of love” and dedicated it to her daughters; however, Brent was first up to the Judges.

He delivered a Chicken Adobo, Brent style with Charred Corn and Cucumber Salsa.

After tasting the meal, Jock said his mouth was “still salivating” and gave him his infamous round of applause. Mel said it was “lip-smackingly…joyful” food while Andy said he was “the top of his game”.

Finally, Cath delivered her Wattle Seed Shortbread and Chocolate Parfait with a Davidson Plum Sauce and Vanilla Dippin’ Dots. She was disappointed in her own presentation, especially the parfait, which was meant to look like a dome.

Upon tasting, Mel said the flavour profile was a “classic” and there was “nothing wrong” with it but the execution wasn’t there. Jock said he was “gutted” for her while Andy said she should have cooked something she was familiar with.

The Verdict

After the final round, Cath was eliminated from the competition, with Brent, Rhiannon and Theo joining Declan in Finals Week.

MasterChef Australia airs Sunday – Thursday at 7.30pm on 10 and 10Play.

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