BBC Celebrity MasterChef judge John Torode was left holding back his tears tonight whilst discussing who he and Gregg Wallace were sending home – praising how far the stars had come.
For the first challenge, the four stars were asked to cook Torode and Gregg a dish which was inspired by someone special to them, opening a window into their real lives.
During their one hour and 45 minutes, the four stars put their blood, sweat and tears into the dishes before plating them up and serving them with the hope they had done enough to make it to the final three.
Sandall was inspired by her partner Mark and their trip to San Sebastian and made the judges a crab, tomato and leek tagliatelle, topped with parmesan, breadcrumbs, sea fennel and a squid ink tuile.
Doyle’s dish was dedicated to his wife and children, serving a bruleed lemon curd tart, topped with Italian meringues, and served with lemon curd-filled raspberries, basil and candied mint.
For Coppola, he took inspiration from his late uncle and whipped up an Italian pastiera, sweet shortcrust pastry filled with orange-lemon ricotta and puffed wheat baked custard, served with both a lemon and an orange creme patisserie.
Lastly, Aikines-Aryeetey was inspired by his mum to produce an apple and plum crumble, with a strawberry crumble slice, baked meringue and vanilla custard.
When discussing who they had to eliminate, the judges found it hard to decide between Aikines-Aryeetey and Doyle, both agreeing that Sandall and Coppola were going through.
“Now a conversation about Harry and Craig,” Torode kicked off before Wallace interjected: “Craig’s issue is the use of salt instead of sugar, however, really fine pastry, well make lemon curd, I thought the little raspberries were very good.”
Torode agreed but added: “For me, best dish that Craig’s done throughout the competition but can we forgive the mistake?”
When discussing Aikines-Aryeetey, Wallace noted: “I continue to be impressed by Harry, his progress in the competition has been fantastic, I loved the crumble.”
However, Torode expressed: “Custard was luscious but Harry today cooked for us three desserts and they didn’t belong together. Craig and Harry, who makes the final three and who goes home? Oh, it’s a tricky one this.”
With the four stars standing infront of them, it was up to Torode to deliver the news but found himself getting emotional when speaking about their individual journeys.
He said: “You are truly a fabulous four. I am getting slightly emotional because we know how far you have all come. Whatever happens today, please continue to believe in yourselves because what you have achieved in this competition so far has been absolutely incredible and way beyond expectations. So from me… thank you.”
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Wallace supported his friend and colleague and patted him on the back, before he regained his composure and revealed: “The person leaving us… is Harry. Harry, to watch you change has been amazing.”
Discussing his time on the show, Aikines-Aryeetey expressed: “I have got to be proud of myself, I came into this competition with no expectations and I just wanted to do the best that I could possibly do, and I done that. It has been out of this world.”
