MasterChef Viewers Slam 'Worst Heat Ever' After Raw Chicken and Runny Potatoes
MasterChef fans have erupted in fury over what many are calling the "worst heat ever" in the show's history, following a series of culinary disasters that left new judges Grace Dent and Anna Haugh unimpressed. The BBC cooking competition returned for its 22nd series with the fresh judging duo replacing longtime hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode, but the amateur cooks failed to deliver in Wednesday's episode.
Cooking Catastrophes Unfold on Screen
The heat tasked contestants with preparing a simple dish of chicken accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and green beans. However, the execution was far from perfect. One hopeful served dangerously undercooked, raw chicken, while another contestant, Luca, presented a runny, liquid-like potato mash that he himself labelled an "unforgivable" mistake. Judge Grace Dent remarked, "I've never seen anybody pour potatoes onto a plate like custard before," highlighting the severity of the error.
Further mishaps included contestant Amy confusing the judges with her unusual flavour pairings, featuring poached salmon in a passion fruit sauce alongside parsnip puree. Another cook omitted the biscuit component from her dessert entirely, compounding the episode's disappointing performances.
Social Media Backlash from Disappointed Fans
Viewers took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to voice their frustration and disbelief. One user questioned the selection process, stating, "For the first rounds of MasterChef, I'm now convinced they get a couple of home cooks and a couple of extras from casting." Another bluntly declared, "All of them could be sent home," reflecting the widespread sentiment that none of the contestants deserved to advance.
Additional comments included:
- "WTF is there a tick box on the application form. I have absolutely no cooking skills whatsoever."
- "Has to be the worst heat of MasterChef I have ever seen."
- "Don't think any of these contestants will go far in this competition."
- "How could they get something so simple so wrong?"
- "Nahh these cooks today are making me feel I could go on there."
One fan admitted they were "not sure that I'm enjoying" the new series, indicating a broader concern about the show's direction under its new leadership.
New Judges Take Over Amid Controversial Departures
Grace Dent and Anna Haugh assumed their roles as judges following the exits of Gregg Wallace and John Torode. Wallace was dropped from MasterChef last year after an investigation into alleged misconduct upheld 45 out of 83 accusations against him, primarily related to inappropriate language and humour. He issued a public apology, expressing deep regret for any distress caused and asserting he never intended to harm or humiliate anyone.
Torode did not have his contract renewed with production company Banijay UK after an allegation surfaced that he used a racist term. A BBC spokesperson confirmed that Torode denied the allegation, stating he had no recollection of the incident and believed it did not occur, while emphasising that racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.
MasterChef continues to air on BBC One, but this latest heat has left fans questioning whether the new judging panel can salvage the series' reputation after such a lacklustre start.
