MasterChef UK viewers were left devastated on Tuesday evening after fan favourite Abi Kempley was eliminated just before the final. The 22-year-old contestant lost out on a place in the final three alongside Brin Pirathapan, Chris Willoughby, and Louise Lyons Macleod.
The contestants first cooked for guests of Michel Roux Jr at his now-closed restaurant Le Gavroche, then returned to the MasterChef kitchen to impress judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace. Brin and Chris secured their spots in the final, leaving Abi and Louise at risk.
Judge John Torode announced Abi's departure, saying: 'Abi and Louise, one of you is going through to the final, one of you is leaving us. The contestant leaving us... is Abi.' Gregg Wallace praised her: 'I would really really like to see what happens with you next because you are an amazing talent for somebody so young.'
Viewers took to social media to express their disappointment, with one writing: 'Fallen at the final hurdle. Really thought it was hers to take.' Another said: 'This woman should be in the final.' Abi herself said: 'Obviously a little gutting to be going home at this stage, so close but the whole competition has been challenge from start to finish.'
Meanwhile, Chris's duck dish sparked controversy, with viewers claiming the meat looked raw. One wrote: 'I don't think that duck's even dead.' Another added: 'Brin could get that duck up and walking again.' Despite the criticism, Chris advanced to the final alongside Brin.
