MasterChef Australia fans are turning on this season’s underdog: ‘We riot’

Sunday night’s Mystery Box challenge has truly opened a can of worms on MasterChef Australia, as a vocal fringe of fans is turning on this season’s underdog, 19-year-old Luke.

MasterChef Australia brought in Indian chef Sanjeev Kapoor for a Top 9 Mystery Box challenge. The box was built around Indian flavours and ingredients, including mussels, palm sugar, fresh turmeric, garam masala and mango pickle, with upgraded staples like ghee, basmati rice and a spice rack.

The prize was a big one: immunity plus a one-on-one masterclass with Sanjeev.

Alyona tried to bring Russian influences into her Indian dish, but it didn’t quite land. Petro had another strong cook with spiced lamb cutlets, even after his lamb caught fire on the hibachi. Oops. Emily was a standout with the only dessert of the day: a sweet dosa with cardamom lassi ice cream, cardamom syrup and guava chutney, which Sanjeev called “stunning”.

But the big redemption arc went to Casper, who faced his mussel demons with a sweet potato and spinach curry, pickled mussels and finger millet roti. Casper won immunity as the news came as a big relief for some viewers, who expressed concern that Luke would win the immunity pin.

Luke made sweet potato samosas and in response, Chef Sanjeev said “it works like magic” and the rest of the judges heavily praised the dish.

Despite the positive feedback, this wasn’t enough to appease a rising group of MasterChef fans who have been increasingly turning on the 19-year-old.

On Sunday night, there were even viewers rooting against Luke winning immunity.

This comes paired with some levelling accusations of favouritism at the young home cook and others questioning how Luke has survived so long on the show.

This is an opinion that has loomed large over this season. In a post in a MasterChef Facebook group, a fan wrote: “What a set up. How is Luke still there.”

A common argument coming from fans all season has been those suggesting Luke hasn’t had enough training (reminder: he is 19!).

Between his chaotic cooking style and disastrous moments in the kitchen, some fans believe Luke doesn’t deserve to still be on the show.

Of course, all this is just online criticism, and as it stands, Luke performed well in the latest challenge, which should be enough to silence his haters — at least, for now.

Hannah and Emily come to MasterChef Australia’s Luke defence

Some of Luke’s fellow contestants have come out in defence of the young cook. Emily has defended whether Luke’s age means he lacks the necessary skills. “We’ve seen previous young contestants do well, so why not,” Emily told Chattr.

“Luke takes on feedback well and works hard behind the scenes.”

When Hannah was asked whether Luke had the skills needed to survive the MasterChef kitchen, she jumped to his defence. In an interview with Chattr, she defended Luke’s place in the top 10.

“Luke is young and great! I think anyone from top 10 has the ability to win — including Luke,” she said.

“Luke’s shown quite a range in his cooking, he doesn’t rely on one style.”

MasterChef Australia airs on Channel 10 and 10Play.