Celebrity MasterChef has revealed its final three contestants after an emotional challenge that saw this year’s stars draw inspiration from someone special in their lives.
The four finalists — Strictly Come Dancing’s Vito Coppola, TV presenter Craig Doyle, actress Rochenda Sandall, and athlete Harry Aikines-Aryeetey — were tasked with creating a dish dedicated to an important figure in their personal journeys.
Ultimately, it was Harry’s “disjointed” dessert in honor of his mother that didn’t win over judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace, leading to his elimination before the 2024 final.
His dish, an apple and plum oat crumble with baked meringue and vanilla custard, was praised for its “cracking” elements but was critiqued for having too many components that didn’t work well together.
Craig Doyle also had a close call after realizing, moments before serving, that he had mistakenly sprinkled salt instead of sugar on his lemon tart with Italian meringues.
The dish, inspired by his wife and children, ended up with a top that wouldn’t torch properly. Craig humorously reflected, “This mirrors my life so much. I’m the clumsiest, most forgetful person you’ll ever meet.”
Despite the blunder, the judges found Craig’s tart to be his best-looking dish of the competition so far. John joked that the salt had “assaulted” the tart, but both he and Gregg felt it earned Craig his spot in the final.
Meanwhile, Rochenda and Vito sailed through after serving standout dishes. Rochenda prepared a pasta dish inspired by a trip to San Sebastián with her partner Mark.
Her crab, tomato, and leek tagliatelle with a squid ink tile was a hit, with Gregg praising the “beautifully fine” pasta.
Vito paid tribute to his late uncle by crafting a Neapolitan pastiera, a ricotta-filled tart with lemon and orange crème pâtissière.
John was particularly moved, saying, “It’s blood, it’s brave, and I watched you make it with love,” while Gregg called it a “stunningly well-made tart.”
With Harry’s departure, the remaining three headed to Coworth Park in Berkshire to cook for a Chef’s Table under Michelin-starred chef Adam Smith. The challenge required them to tackle some of the most intricate dishes they’d encountered in the competition.
Vito was responsible for the starter, preparing Smith’s renowned Cornish turbot with poached lobster and truffle mousse, topped with lobster medallion and caviar, served alongside romanesco cauliflower and bonito purée.
Craig took on the main course, cooking Smith’s salt-aged Yorkshire lamb with sweetbread and lamb’s tongue mousse, braised morels, sheep’s cheese cream, and a herby crust.
Rochenda rounded out the meal with the dessert, recreating Smith’s layered chocolate pudding. Her dish featured a brownie base, salted caramel mousse, cocoa nib whipped ganache, and tempered chocolate swirls.
Having impressed the Michelin-starred chef and his colleagues, the trio are now heading into the final showdown. Celebrity MasterChef airs on BBC One, with the winner set to be revealed tomorrow (September 20). Who will take home the trophy?