MasterChef fans were devastated when Bella Di Conza was eliminated.
(Source: Channel 10)
MasterChef viewers are begging for the cooking competition to host a wildcard round after fan favourite Bella Di Conza was eliminated.
The 20-year-old’s apple and cinnamon entremet didn’t live up to the judges’ expectations, and she was sent home.
She held back tears as she thanked everyone for the experience, saying it was inspiring and she would never take it for granted.
Judge Poh Ling Yeow broke down in tears as she praised the young Aussie’s efforts and encouraged her to keep cooking and not let the elimination define her.
Fans devastated by Bella Di Conza’s elimination
Fans of the show were absolutely devastated to see Bella get the chop, with some even saying the judges’ decision left them in tears.
Many hoped this wouldn’t be the last time they saw Bella on the Channel 10 program.
“I teared up today. Cannot believe Bella’s gone. She’s too talented to have left this early. I hope there’s a second chance cook so she can come back,” said one viewer.
“Is there a wildcard this year? I do hope Bella can do it,” added another.
“Dang, I really liked Bella! I do think it was the right choice by the judges, but fingers crossed for her coming back if they have a second chance episode this season,” a third wrote.
Why was Bella eliminated from MasterChef?
Wednesday night’s episode featured six contestants battling to avoid elimination after a group challenge.
Bella’s team was placed in the elimination round after judges said the team of three’s modern Australian family feast was good flavour-wise, but there were elements of the dish that threw it off, such as the broccolini being too tough and the sauce for the potatoes being too rich.
The judges praised Bella’s ricotta, orange, and olive oil cake.
For the elimination round, contestants had 75 minutes to create a dish that gave the judges a glimpse into family memories, with Bella making an apple and cinnamon entremet.
Poh became emotional over the elimination.
(Source: Channel 10)
Judges were skeptical from the get-go, and Bella had to cut the mold to get the dessert out so she could plate something.
Ahead of the judges tasting her dish, she said she knew the presentation wasn’t great, but she hoped the taste would carry her over the line.
But the judges were quick to point out the flaws.
Poh said that while she loved the taste, the gel layer was set too hard. Andy Allen also said the dish was an “interesting choice”.
Sophie Levin called it “gluggy”, and Jean-Christophe Novelli said it was a shame because he respected Bella’s talent.
Bella summarises her MasterChef experience
Bella took to social media following the show’s airing to express her sentiments about her experience.
“Though every fibre in me aches with disappointment, I couldn’t be more proud of myself for putting up a fight today,” she said.
“There were so many moments over the past few days where I had the opportunity to give up, particularly after receiving news that my sister was quite unwell.
“I surprised myself with my determination to keep showing up each day. After earning a place in the competition, it’s only natural to keep setting the bar higher and higher.
“It’s easy to forget that for little me, the idea of receiving an apron felt like the accomplishment of a lifetime. Albeit short, my time in the competition has shaped me in many ways.
“Meeting so many like-minded people on this journey is undoubtedly the biggest win of all. This awesome group care so deeply about food, but moreover about each other. The support I felt from all of them made a world of difference.”