After a magical bubble-centred challenge that saw our bakers creating all kinds of creative dishes, Dessert Masters 2024 had a shocking double-elimination. Sadly, Alisha Henderson was one of the contestants eliminated after her crumpet-inspired dessert failed to deliver to the degree she had hoped.
Chattr spoke with Alisha after her departure from the 2024 Dessert Masters competition about her experience in the kitchen and who she thinks will win the whole thing.
Alisha and the Dessert Masters bubbles challenge
Looking back at the bubbles challenge, Alisha shared that while she knows her creative thinking can help her to produce dishes that “can be very outside the box”, in this case it didn’t quite come together how she had hoped.
“I think for that one, my really grand idea just didn’t quite work. It was, perhaps, not up to the [same] outstanding standard as everybody else… because looking around, those bubble desserts were so sensational!”
Despite that, though, she shared, “I actually had such an enjoyable cook in there. I wasn’t stressed. I was just having fun. So, that’s fine by me. I was proud with how far I had come in a competition like that.”
The Dessert Masters experience as a whole
Speaking on the Dessert Masters competition in general, Alisha shared that while the time constraints and the challenges were stressful, it was “the good kind of fun stress that you know you’re going to get something so rewarding on the other side.”
She also highlighted that being in the competition with her fellow castmates brought a real “level of comfort,” which only added to the sense of joy that was carried throughout her Dessert Masters experience.
“We were all putting ourselves in this extremely vulnerable position to have, not just ourselves judged, but our professions judge like that… So, it is a very brave thing to go and do, but the camaraderie that I mean, as you saw, is just so genuine and so lovely, that it felt like a big beautiful family,” she explained.
To that end, Alisha highlighted that there’s nothing she would have changed about her time on Dessert Masters.
“I think, every day I went in there and I tried to show a different side of me and my skill set in each cook. That was really the main objective. I didn’t want to make a cake every single time I stepped into that kitchen,” she said.
Who will win Dessert Masters 2024?
Looking at the journey towards the finale, which is fast-approaching, Chattr asked Alisha who she thinks might be the cook to take home the win in 2024.
She shared, “Everyone is just so sensationally talented. I just think anyone from the original 10 contestants could easily have won.”
In saying that, she did stress, “I think that the skill that Jana has shown so far, she is my pick to be vying for the number one title. That sugar unicycle is truly the coolest thing I have ever seen.”
What’s next for Alisha Henderson after Dessert Masters?
Now that the Dessert Masters challenge is over for Alisha, what’s on the menu now?
She shared that her main focus at the moment is what she calls ‘edu-caking’. “For me, it’s about offering more in-person experiences [now],” she said.
Teaching classes here in Australia, and even in France with Jana, is Alisha’s main focus right now so she can connect with more pastry enthusiasts along the way.
Dessert Masters 2024 airs on Sundays and Mondays on Channel 10 and 10Play.
Darren Purchese was eliminated during the Dessert Masters 2024 bubbles challenge. His dish, named ‘Careless Whisper’ was a chocolate mousse with a fancy rice crispy base, choclate bubbles, a blood orange jelly and a blood orange ice cream.
Sadly, his delicious creation did not keep him in the competiton and he was eliminated alongside Alisha Henderson.
Darren spoke exclusively to Chattr about his time on the show, what he found challenging and what is next for the chef.
Darren felt a double elimination in the air
Darren during the elimination episode. Image: Ten.
This was the first time a double elimination happened in this season, and Darren said he felt it “looming”.
“I always thought that if I just concentrate on making the best dish that I can then I would have a chance. Still not great odds though but that’s what makes this competition so exciting for the audience and us contestants of course,” he said.
Being eliminated so close to the semi finals was frustrating for Darren but he said he was taking it one challenge at a time.
“Always focussing on the job at hand but being near the end means you have one eye on finals week. It was not to be, but I was proud of my achievements nonetheless,” he said.
He told Chattr that he did think he would make it into the semi finals.
“The announcement [of elimination] took me by surprise to be honest but the standard was so high the judges had to make a call, and I respect that. I have been a judge on reality cooking shows for many years and it is not always easy to make those decisions,” he said.
While he may have been eliminated, Darren is proud of his work and said he “learned heaps and had lots of fun”.
Darren has zero regrets from his time on Dessert Masters
Darren’s ‘Careless Whisper’ dessert. Image: Ten.
Darren said he was happy with his dish on the day and wouldn’t change anything too drastically.
“It is a competition that comes down to who the judges prefer on the day,” he explained.
“I certainly would not play it safe or change my strategy of going all out and working as hard as I can in every challenge. I can hold my head high and know I did everything I possibly could in the time allowed.”
What Darren found most challenging on Dessert Masters
It wasn’t all smooth sailing on Dessert Masters, Darren opened up about the biggest challenges he faced on the show.
“Probably all the running and trying to remember what ingredients I need when going to the pantry! I think I visited the pantry more than any other chef and tried to make sure I was always on bench one closest to the pantry,” he said.
What is next for Darren?
Darren on Dessert Masters. Image: Instagram.
Darren is an accomplished chef in his own right and has a very busy schedule!
“I have the best job in the world as judge on The Great Australian Bake Off and I am also concentrating on building a community of food lovers and baking enthusiasts through my recipe platform Studio Kitchen. I am excited for the future,” he said.
Dessert Masters airs on Sundays 7pm and Mondays 7:30pm on Channel 10 and 10Play.
Australian music’s night of nights is coming up once again, folks. The 2024 ARIA Awards are on the way, and we have the full list of nominees to obsess over ahead.
As you’d expect, the list is made up of music royalty in Australia, and the competition for these ARIA awards is fierce.
Who leads the 2024 ARIA Awards nominations?
When it comes to the biggest gongs of the night, Amy Shark, Angie McMahon, Kylie Minogue, Royel Otis and Troye Sivan are up for Album of the Year. And CYRIL, Dom Dolla, FISHER Feat. Kita Alexander, G Flip, Jessica Mauboy feat. Jason Derulo, Kylie Minogue, Lithe, Royel Otis, The Kid LAROI and Troye Sivan are nominated for ARIA Song of the Year.
At the 2024 ARIA Awards, indie pop duo Royel Otis leads the nominations with a total of eight nods for their album Pratts & Pain, including categories such as Album of the Year, Best Group, and Best Rock Album. They are followed by Dom Dolla, who has six nominations, including Best Solo Artist and Song of the Year for Saving Up.
Kylie Minogue and Angie McMahon are close behind, having secured five nominations, while artists including The Kid LAROI, Amy Shark, Troye Sivan, RÜFÜS DU SOL, 3%, and Tones and I received four nominations each.
Which artists have been nominated for ARIA Awards in 2024?
Album of the Year
Amy Shark – Sunday Sadness
Angie McMahon – Light, Dark, Light Again
Kylie Minogue – Tension
Royel Otis – PRATTS & PAIN
Troye Sivan – Something To Give Each Other
Best Solo Artist
Amy Shark – Sunday Sadness
Angie McMahon – Light, Dark, Light Again
Dom Dolla – Saving Up
Emma Donovan – Till My Song Is Done
Kylie Minogue – Tension
The Kid LAROI – THE FIRST TIME [DELUXE VERSION]
Tkay Maidza – Sweet Justice
Tones And I – Beautifully Ordinary
Troy Cassar-Daley – Between The Fires
Troye Sivan – Something To Give Each Other
Best Group
3% – KILL THE DEAD
Hiatus Kaiyote – Love Heart Cheat Code
Royel Otis – PRATTS & PAIN
RÜFÜS DU SOL – Music is Better
SPEED – Only One Mode
Best Pop Release
Amy Shark – Sunday Sadness
Jessica Mauboy – Yours Forever
Kylie Minogue – Tension
The Kid LAROI – Girls
Troye Sivan – Something To Give Each Other
Best Hip Hop / Rap Release
3% – KILL THE DEAD
Kobie Dee – Chapter 26
Lithe – Fall Back
ONEFOUR – Natural Habitat
The Kid LAROI – THE FIRST TIME [DELUXE VERSION]
Best Soul / R&B Release
Forest Claudette – Jupiter
Milan Ring – Mangos
Miss Kaninna – Blak Britney
PANIA – WE STILL YOUNG
Tkay Maidza – Sweet Justice
Best Rock Album
Angie McMahon – Light, Dark, Light Again
Grinspoon – Whatever, Whatever
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Flight b741
Middle Kids – Faith Crisis Pt 1
Royel Otis – PRATTS & PAIN
Best Children’s Album
Bluey – Dance Mode!
Emma Memma – Twirly Tunes
Josh Pyke – It’s Gonna Be A Great, Great Day!
The Wiggles – Wiggle and Learn: 100 Educational Songs for Children
Zindzi & The Zillionaires – Zindzi & The Zillionaires
Song of the Year
CYRIL – Stumblin’ In
Dom Dolla – Saving Up
FISHER feat. Kita Alexander – Atmosphere
G Flip – The Worst Person Alive
Jessica Mauboy feat. Jason Derulo – Give You Love
Kylie Minogue – Tension
Lithe – Fall Back
Royel Otis – Murder on the Dance Floor
The Kid LAROI – Nights Like This
Troye Sivan – Got Me Started
Best Australian Live Act
Angie McMahon – Making It Through Tour
Barkaa – BARKAA
Confidence Man – Laneway Festival
Dirty Three – Love Changes Everything Tour
Dom Dolla – DOM DOLLA AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2023
King Stingray – Regional Run 2024
Missy Higgins – The Second Act Tour 2024
Royel Otis – PRATTS & PAIN Tour
RÜFÜS DU SOL – RÜFÜS DU SOL 2024 Australian Summer Tour Dates
Tones And I – P!nk Supported By Tones And I
If you’d like to compare this year’s ARIA Award nominations against the nominees from 2023, you can check out the previous list.
The 2024 ARIA Awards will stream live on Channel 9 and 9Now, Wednesday, November 20 at 8.30pm.
As we move through Dessert Masters 2024, fans are enjoying watching talented chefs tackle some of the hardest challenges viewers have ever seen. One contestant who continues to impress is Alisha Henderson, a baker with a passion for spreading joy through her creations.
Let’s learn more about her journey and what she’s bringing to the competition.
What’s Alisha Henderson’s baking background?
Alisha Henderson, Dessert Masters competitor for 2024. Image: Ten
Alisha has built a loyal following thanks to her successful online businesses, Sweet Bakes and Co.Bake Space. With Sweet Bakes, fans can order her cakes or join her workshops, while Co.Bake Space provides an event space for style-obsessed folks.
Alisha began her baking career at 19 and is a self-taught cook. Her style is inspired by Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi and is known for its vibrant, cheerful presentation.
In addition to all her baking pursuits, Alisha has also created a children’s book series – the first book is called Millie Muffin. Cute!
Alisha’s standout moments on Dessert Masters
In the Dessert Masters 2024 kitchen, Alisha has consistently wowed the judges with her original creations.
Her You Don’t Make Friends With Salad carrot cake is just one example of that. Shaped to resemble a head of lettuce, the cake featured unique flavours like white chocolate, corn mousse, and carrot marmalade.
Alisha with her Dessert Masters castmates Jana and Emelia. Image: Ten.
Will Alisha win Dessert Masters in 2024?
With the finale drawing closer, fans are starting to rally behind their favourite contestants. Alisha’s impressive desserts have won over viewers, making her a strong contender for the Dessert Masters crown.
As fans continue to show their support, it will be interesting to see if Alisha can secure the win!
Where to find Alisha on social media
If you’d like to follow Alisha on socials, you can find her over at Instagram: @sweetbakes_ and on TikTok: @alisha_henderson.
Dessert Masters 2024 airs on Sundays and Mondays on Channel 10 and 10Play.
Callum Holefinally entered the Aussie Shore house during the latest episode, and although he was only supposed to appear for a night, he decided to stay on. Now, the veteran reality star has revealed exactly why he decided to make that choice in an exclusive interview with Chattr.
Viewers will already know that once Callum arrived at the Aussie Shore house, he quickly grew very obviously fond of LexieDyer. The pair started making out almost instantly, which upset birthday girl Catia Chanel Sinigaglia because of the lack of attention thrown her way.
“When I met all the girls, Lexie was definitely more my type. So I gravitated to her, even though initially I thought she was with Tom [Tuck], I was like, ‘I’m still gonna run, run this one up because this is what I fancy the most,'” he said.
Lexie (left) and Catia (right) with the rest of their Aussie Shore castmates behind them. Image: Paramount+.
After enjoying a wild night with the Aussie Shore cast, Callum made the decision to stay on and live with his housemates.
“I was surprised by how much fun I had on the first night,” he said.
“So, when I woke up the next day, I was hungover and feeling shit, obviously. But then I was told that we were going to be going out that night and I love partying, so I was like, ‘Okay, my arms twisted. I’ll stay another night.'”
However, Callum revealed that had he known that the house boss, Charlotte Crosby, was sending him off to work with a hangover, he would have ordered the first Uber home.
“I didn’t know I had to work all day! If I had known I had to be in a fishmonger fucking gutting fish, I promise you, I would have been gone straight away,” he laughed.
Lexie, Callum and Manaaki at work. Image: Paramount+.
Callum Hole shared his first impression of his Aussie Shore castmates
Callum’s entrance to the house has been teased all season, and fans were waiting with bated breath to see him pop up. When he arrived on Catia’s birthday, his new cast mates were over the moon.
However, Callum told Chattr that his first impressions weren’t necessarily in sync with his housemates.
“To be fair, when I first went in, it was a bit of a cringe,” he revealed. “When I came in, obviously, the party was really going. People were really drunk, and I was the only sober one there.
“But that’s like going into a nightclub sober; you realise it’s all a bit of a cringe.”
Callum with his Aussie Shore housemates. Image: Paramount+.
However, Callum revealed that once he’d gotten a few drinks into him, he drastically changed his views on his co-stars.
“As soon as I started tackling the drinks, like the rest of them, I was not thinking that at all. I was loving it. I was having the best time.”
“I almost felt like I was a 16 year old boy again, where I could just sleep over at my friend’s house and just have the best time and have no responsibilities,” he added. “I had so much fun!”
We can’t wait to see what Callum gets up to for the rest of the season!
With the Dessert Masters 2024season finale approaching, anticipation is high as our top cooks prepare to battle it out for the grand title. But has the winner of Dessert Masters 2024already been leaked? Let’s take a look at what the internet is buzzing about.
Who will win Dessert Masters 2024?
Contestants for Dessert Masters 2024. Network 10
Our Dessert Masters chefs this season have showcased some incredible talent, and theories are emerging around who could come out on top. Although there has been no official winner leak, contestant and fan predictions are sparking plenty of excitement.
“I think Jana Lai and Christy Tania are both like magicians,” he said, highlighting these two contestants as potential winners of Dessert Masters 2024,” he said.
Katherine Sabbath, the first chef eliminated, gave her own take in a recent interview with SMH, noting that Darren Purchese was the chef she found most intimidating in terms of skill.
Who do fans think will win Dessert Masters 2024?
Christy Tania and Jana Lai are named as Dessert Masters 2024 front runners. Image: Ten
Over on Reddit, fans have shared predictions, with Christy and Jana emerging as fan favourites for the finale. “My money’s on Christy and she’s my absolute favourite contestant so far,” one Reddit user wrote.
Another added, “So far, the definite top 2 seem to be either Christy or Jana. I just feel like these two are on a whole other level.”
Both Emelia Jackson and JohnDemetrios have also garnered support. “I hope John wins, he seems like a sweetheart and he deserves to win,” a fan shared.
Another said, “I think given how good Emelia performs when under immense pressure in the MC kitchen, she most likely will go quite far.”
Facebook posts reflect similar support, with one fan writing, “I like them all, but would love to see Jana, Christy, or John go all the way.” Another added, “Go MasterChef Emelia!! Go for another gold—Dessert Master.”
Dessert Masters 2024 airs on Sundays and Mondays on Channel 10 and 10Play.
Get your ugly Christmas sweaters ready—Bridget Jones is making a comeback! Bridget Jones 4: Mad About the Boy is the latest instalment in the popular romantic comedy film series, and here is everything you need to know about the movie, from release date to plot and cast updates.
Where did we leave off with Bridget Jones?
Bridget Jones is back for the fourth time. Image: Universal
When we last saw Bridget Jones in Bridget Jones’s Baby, she had just navigated a surprise pregnancy and a love triangle, ultimately tying the knot with long-time love Mark Darcy, who was revealed as the father of her baby. Fast forward eight years, and we’re rejoining Bridget, who is once again facing new challenges.
What’s Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy about?
The fourth film draws from Helen Fielding’s book of the same title. In Mad About the Boy, Bridget is managing life after the loss of her husband, Mark, raising two kids as a single mother, and navigating the dating world again.
True to form, Bridget seemingly finds herself juggling love interests, including a charming younger man.
The book synopsis gives a glimpse into her journey:
“What do you do when a girlfriend’s 60th birthday party is the same day as your boyfriend’s 30th? … BRIDGET JONES stumbles through single motherhood, online dating, and achieving ‘acceptance and calm’ in what SOME people rudely call ‘middle age’.”
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy trailer
The first trailer for Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy has officially dropped, and fans are – to put it mildly – incredibly excited.
The opening moments of the trailer show a glimpse at life without Mark for Bridget, which is pretty damn heartbreaking to see. Still, we’re quickly met with that classic, blunt Bridget Jones humour… and an appearance from a familiar face.
Watch it for yourself below:
Who’s in the cast?
Renée Zellweger returns as Bridget, alongside Emma Thompson as Dr. Rawlings, Celia Imrie as Una Alconbury, Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver, Jim Broadbent as Bridget’s Dad, James Callis as Tom, Shirley Henderson as Jude, Joanna Scanlan as Cathy, Gemma Jones as Bridget’s Mum, Sally Phillips as Shazzer, and Sarah Solemani as Miranda. New cast members include our very own Isla Fisher and leading fellas Chiwetel Ejiofor and Leo Woodall.
When’s the release date for Bridget Jones 4: Mad About the Boy?
Rather appropriately, Bridget Jones 4: Mad About the Boy is slated for a Galentine’s Day release date on February 13, 2025.
Where can I stream Bridget Jones in Australia?
If you want to catch up on all things Bridget Jones before Mad About the Boy arrives, here’s where you can stream the first three films in Australia:
The ARIA Awards will return in 2024 for another night of glitz, glamour, and recognition for many of the music industry’s biggest players.
The 2024 instalment will be the hotly anticipated ceremony’s 38th edition and will take place at Sydney’s Hordern Pavillion for the third year in a row.
“Since 1987, the ARIA Awards have represented the pinnacle of achievement in Australian music,” said ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd.
“The past year has seen a huge number of homegrown Aussie talent making their mark locally and globally and we’re very excited to celebrate these achievements on 20 November at the Hordern Pavillion. We’re also tremendously grateful to all our partners and everyone involved in helping us give Australian music a global platform.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 ARIA Awards.
The ARIA Awards are being held at the Hodern Pavillion on Wednesday, 20 November, and the event coincides with the venue’s 100th anniversary.
How can you watch the ceremony?
The ARIA Awards will air on Channel 9 and 9Now on Wednesday, November 20, at 8.30pm.
The event will also be available to stream live on Stan, followed by a special presentation with performances and moments available on-demand on the @ARIA.Offical YouTube channel. The full show will be available on demand on Stan following the official live stream.
For all the pre-show excitement, YouTube will also exclusively livestream the Red Carpet globally and the ARIA Awards to an international audience.
Troye Sivian at the 2023 ARIA Awards. Image: Instagram.
Who’s nominated for a 2024 ARIA?
Royel Otis holds the coveted spot of having the most ARIA nominations, with eight.
Dom Dolla is close behind with six nominations, while Angie McMahon and Kylie Minogue have both scored five nods each.
Who’s performing?
This year’s performers include The Kid LAROI, CYRIL, 3%, Jessica Mauboy, Amy Shark, Julia Hamilton from The Presets, Troy Cassar-Daley and Angie McMahon. Missy Higgins will also perform a medley of her most iconic hits.
Missy Higgins performing at her Second Act tour. Image: Instagram.
Who’s hosting the 2024 ARIA’s?
Australian radio host Tim Blackwell will be wearing the hosting hat at the 2024 Aria Awards.
Who’s presenting at the ARIA Awards 2024?
Some big stars will be handing out awards at the 2024 ceremony, including Artemus, Budjerah, G Flip, Richard Wilkins, Concetta Caristo and Luka Muller, Emily Wurramara, Fanny Lumsden, Grinspoon, Hannah Conda, Jenna Owen, King, Kween Kong, and more, with Royel Otisand Dom Dolla.
The 2024 ARIA Awards will stream live on Channel 9 and 9Now, Wednesday, November 20 at 8.30pm.
Things have been heating up on Home and Awayas the 2024 final week approaches, and everything is about to come to a head when Cash passes a serious warning onto Eden.
But, the drama between Cash and the Lyrik gang is far from the only action that will go down during the dramatic final few episodes for the year.
Here’s everything we know about the Home and Away 2024 finale week.
The final week of Home and Away for 2024 will start on November 18. It will conclude with an action-packed, feature-length finale on November 20 on Channel 7 and 7plus.
What will happen during the final week of Home and Away 2024?
Abigail and Mali’s romance
Abigail (Hailey Pinto), who’s new to the bay, has caught Mali’s eye (Kyle Shilling). The pair will set up a super successful Gala Day for the board shop.
Thrilled with how the day went, Abigail and Mali will share a kiss. Could it be the start of the next big romance in Summer Bay?
Harper and Tane’s pregnancy problems
Doctor Levi (Tristan Gorey) will break the news to expectant parents Tane (Ethan Browne) and Harper (Jessica Redmayne) that a complication has been picked up with their unborn baby. Levi gives them two options; to wait and hope for the best or to go ahead with a rare and risky in-utero surgery.
Initially, Harper doesn’t want to risk the danger of her baby by going ahead with the surgery, but hoping the issue rectifies itself on its own will endanger her life. Will she change her mind and agree to the operation?
Home and Away’s Harper in a hospital bed. Image: Seven.
Cash’s message to Eden
The final episode of Home and Away 2024 will follow the Lyrik gang—Remi (Adam Rowland), Eden (Stephanie Panozzo), Kirby (Angelina Thomson), and Theo (Matt Evans)—as they head out of town to a band rehearsal at a luxurious private estate.
Justin (James Stewart), Bree (Juliet Godwin) and Eden’s new boyfriend Tim (George Pullar) also join for the trip.
However, things get dicey when Cash (Nicholas Cartwright) — who’s recently become obsessed with ‘protecting’ Eden from Tim shows — up uninvited with a serious warning message he wants to get to Eden.
Cash and Eden when they were engaged. Image: Seven.
Will all of our favourites survive? We sure hope so!
Home and Away’s 2024 final week starts on November 18 on Channel 7 and 7Plus.
Domenica Calarco has finally opened up — in great detail — about what, in her view, caused the breakdown in her friendship with former Married At First Sight (MAFS) star Ella Ding on her new podcast, Mad Woman.
Ella and Domenica (Dom) forged a super strong friendship during their season of MAFS and went on to launch a successful podcast called Sit With Us.
How did fans know that Dom and Ella had fallen out?
Dom later confirmed the rift on Instagram. The reality star took to social media to promote her new podcast Mad Woman, and dropped the spicy tidbit in the comments section.
When a follower asked Dom if she and Ella had had a “falling out,” Dom replied, “Yes, we did x.”
What did Dom say about her and Ella’s friendship on Mad Woman?
Dom went into detail about what caused the rift between her and Ella during an episode of her new podcast Mad Woman.
“The breakdown of our friendship really started when the backlash from Sit With Us happened, I think we had very differing opinions and views on the way to handle the situation,” Dom said, referring to the backlash the pair received after they interviewed MAFS‘ ToriAdams and JackDunkley.
Fans criticised Dom and Ella for seemingly supporting Jack, who told Jono McCulluogh during a MAFS Dinner Party, to put a “muzzle” on his TV wife Lauren Dunn.
On the new podcast, Dom said that she wanted to respond to the pushback.
“For me, I wanted to face it head on. I didn’t want to bury my head in the sand,” she explained.
“When it’s something as detrimental and fucking huge as what we were dealing with, you can’t just bury your head in the sand. It was making things worse.
“Justifiably, people were kind of shocked that I wasn’t saying anything.”
Dom explained that she was told to stay quiet by the podcast’s production team and Ella.
“I fucking wanted to [say something] so badly, guys, but I was told by the greater powers that be number one, but also my co host, [to] shut up. Don’t say anything. Ignore it. It’s gonna go away.
“I knew in my fucking core this was not going away. Listen to your instincts and your gut. Your gut will never lie to you.”
Shortly after Dom shared the explosive podcast, Ella, who’s currently on holiday in Bali, took to her own Instagram comments to share some insight into how she felt.
When a follower asked her about Dom’s Mad Woman episode, Ella responded: “How I like to work through it is very different clearly to others.
“I’m on my honeymoon with my beautiful friends and husband, having the most beautiful time. Haha, the premeditated release of that in itself says a lot to me. Don’t worry, I’ll do me and you do you!”
She also hinted to another commenter that she may tell her side of the story.
“I’m not trying to ruin anyone’s image here, honey! I’m just keeping my trap shut for mature reasons… but let’s hope I can keep it,” she replied with a zipped face emoji at the end.
Ella’s Instagram responses.
What have Ella and Dom said about their fallout prior to the Mad Woman episode?
Back in early September, both reality stars commented on the cancellation of their podcast and, seemingly, the breakdown of their friendship.
“I’ve got nothing to say, but I wish her the best, of course, always will. All good things come to an end,” Ella told Daily Mail Australia.
Meanwhile, Domenica’s comment to the publication hinted that something had gone down between the former besties. She also confirmed that the pair no longer follow each other on Instagram.
“We definitely unfollowed each other. I don’t even know where to begin,” she said.
Dom and Ella. Image: Instagram.
What happened to Dom and Ella’s Sit With Us podcast?
In early August, Domenica shared the news that Sit With Us had ended in their official Facebook group.
“Ella and I have come to a joint decision: it is the right time for Sit With Us to come to an end,” she wrote.
“This decision was not made lightly, and it comes with a mix of emotions. We have loved every moment, and ending this chapter is bittersweet.
“However, we believe it is the best step forward for both of us. We think it is the right time now to move on with our own solo projects and explore new opportunities that lie ahead.”
Ella and Domenica started Sit With Us in June 2022, shortly after appearing on Married At First Sight Season 9.
Over the past two years, they shared life updates, advice and interviews with reality stars including Skye Wheatley, Eden Harper and Jack Dunkley.
Dom and Ella. Image: Instagram.
Call us crazy… but could a joint pod with Dom’s other MAFS nemesis Olivia Frazer be on the cards for Ella?
One can hope!
Listen to Dom’s full Mad Woman podcast episode below.
TheDessert Masters 2024 competition is baking along nicely, and Emelia Jackson is a contestant that viewers are excited to follow. With each episode, we learn more about her journey to Dessert Masters Season 2 and why she’s a strong contender.
Where have we seen Emelia Jackson before?
Emelia Jackson, Dessert Masters contestant. Image: Ten
If Emelia looks familiar, that’s because Dessert Masters is not her first cooking competition.
She first appeared on MasterChef Australia in 2014, where she claimed third place. Emelia returned for the Back to Win season in 2020 and took home the title as that year’s winner. Now in her third stint on reality TV, Emelia’s competitive edge is sharper than ever.
She also offers cooking classes in Victoria, sharing her passion and expertise with aspiring chefs.
Emelia in the Dessert Masters kitchen
While competing in the Dessert Masters kitchen, Emelia has won over the judges with creations like her Floating Island and Toffee Tarte Tatin. Judge Amaury Guichon even described her Toffee Tarte dessert as “perfection”.
Emelia with some of the Dessert Masters cast. Image: Ten.
Emelia Jackson was asked to be on Dessert Masters before
Another fun fact you may not be aware of is that Emelia was actually invited to be a part of the first season of Dessert Masters. She turned down the opportunity, however, because she was due to give birth on the first day of filming. Fair call.
“I knew they were going to call me back, I just didn’t know when,” she said on the turn of events,” she told Yahoo Lifestyle Australia.
“And then also, I didn’t know if I was ready to actually launch myself into that chaos again. So I was like, if I don’t get the phone call, is that a bad thing? If I do get the phone call, I’m obviously going to say yes,” Emelia explained.
“So I was unsure about the whole thing and very nervous about it.”
As we all now know, Emelia did get that call, and she did say yes! So now we have the pleasure of being able to watch her cook on Dessert Masters 2024. And one thing’s for certain: Emelia’s skill and reputation make her a contestant to watch this season.
Dessert Masters airs on Mondays at 7:30pm on Channel 10 and 10Play.
The drama is already heating up on Love Island Australia 2024, and Islander Sophie Millshas exclusively dished to Chattr about which contestants will continue to stir things up throughout the season.
It shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that Sophie listed sass-queen HannahSteinfield as one of the most dramatic Love Island Australia 2024 contestants during an interview with Chattr.
However, the first female Bombshell has revealed which other contestants will shake things up on Love Island Australia 2024.
Sophie posing with her co-star Dylan. Image: Nine.
Which Love Island Australia girls will be involved with drama?
“We’ve got our lovely Hannah,” Sophie began. “She’s my other blonde girlie. I came in thinking she could be some competition, another blonde. There’s definitely some drama from Hannah.”
Surprisingly, Sophie listed her Love Island besties as the other two Islanders who will stir the pot.
“We’ve also got a bit of drama with Mimi [Paranihi],” she revealed. “She’s a big personality as well, and Em [Miguel Leigh], she’s freaking awesome. But yeah, there’s a bit [of drama] with Em, too.”
Em, Mimi and Sophie dressed up as devils. Image: Nine.
What about the boys?
When it came to which of the male Islanders who will be unintentionally taking on a Main Character role this season, Sophie said that her ex Zane [Prophet] — who has so far been a hit with the ladies — will be one to watch.
“He’s already very popular with the girls in the show, and he will cause a bit of a stir,” she revealed.
Zane and Sophie on a date. Image: Nine.
Sophie was originally cast on Love Island Australia 2023
A lesser-known tidbit about Sophie is that she auditioned to be on Love Island Australia 2023. Although she made it all the way through the casting process, she was cut at the last minute.
“I got as far as the final stage, and they basically told me when I was leaving for Spain. Then, they literally just said, at the last minute, that I didn’t fit the puzzle piece this year — just because of my age,” she shared with Chattr.
However, the casting team reached out to Sophie for the 2024 season, and she gladly accepted.
“[Last year], I was only 21, and to be honest with you, I’m so glad that I didn’t get on because, looking back now, I was not ready then.
“I’m so glad I got on this year, and — nothing on last year’s cast — but this year’s cast is so good, so I’m so glad that I got on the show this year.”
Could Sophie be thrilled about being cast this year before she’s found true love? We can’t wait to find out!
Stream Love Island Australia Mondays to Thursdays on Channel 9 and 9Now.
The Penguin has left audiences with jaws on the floor after its shocking season finale, and the main question fans of the show are asking now is: will The Penguin get a Season 2?
What is The Penguin TV series about?
Sofia Falcone and Oz Cobb, The Penguin. Image: HBO
For those new to the TV series, The Penguin is a mini-series that follows the iconic Batman villain as he manoeuvres through Gotham’s organised crime world.
The series takes place after the events of The Batman, where Gotham is in a dark phase, and the mob world is shifting. At this point in the storyline, the Penguin is making his move to move up within the Falcone crime family.
How The Penguin fits into the DC Universe
As HBO Max executive Sarah Aubrey explained to Variety, The Penguin follows the events of the 2022 movie The Batman.
Sarah shared, “Penguin will sit immediately after the end of The Batman and temporally before the events of the second movie…
She continued, “The goal of this is to show what Oz’s life is like and that’s very much in the streets of Gotham, trying to get up and over as only the Penguin can. As a hustler and a strategist with his own ambitions. It is a great example of having the time over eight episodes to tell a longer-arc character story with a lot of delicious twists and turns and new characters. It’s very much going to be about Gotham at that street level, because he’s not flying around like Batman does. We are all embracing that as a very specific experience for audiences to have.”
Who is in the cast?
In The Penguin, Colin Farrell reprises his role as Oz Cobb, aka The Penguin—not that you’d recognise him! The series also stars Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone, Rhenzy Feliz as Victor Aguilar, Deirdre O’Connell as Francis Cobb, Carmen Ejogo as Eve Karlo, Michael Kelly as Johnny Vitti, and Clancy Brown as Salvatore Maroni, among others.
Is The Penguin likely to get a Season 2?
Nothing has been confirmed for The Penguin Season 2 yet. The series is expected to set the stage for The Batman 2, which is currently slated for release in 2025, according to Screen Rant.
Colin Farrell has mentioned that he “never” wants to put the suit and head on again, but when speaking to The Hollywood Reporter recently, he shared that his interest in a second season depends on the storyline. “If there’s a great idea [for season two], and the writing was really muscular and as strong or stronger on the page than it was the first season, of course I would do it,” he said.
“For me, the bar for success is not very high. It’s, ‘Do most people like it?’ — just the simplicity of that. I love being in things that are critically approved — it’s much better than the alternative — but I’ve been around long enough [to know] that it’s the audience who are really the most important critics.”
Where to Watch The Penguin in Australia
You can stream The Penguin Season 1 (and Season 2, if it eventuates) on Binge in Australia. And if you’d like to watch The Batman, you can stream that on Stan.
The popular reality TV show has seen several MasterChefAustralia contestants compete, including Anna Polyviou, Julie Goodwin and Khanh Ong. In fact, Poh Ling Yeowwas a contestant in 2022, but she undertook the role before being named a MasterChef judge in 2024.
So, if the rumours are true, this season could mark the first time a MasterChef judge joins I’m a Celebrity Australia post-promotion.
Julia Morris and Robert Irwin will host I’m a Celebrity 2025. Image: Ten.
Which MasterChef judge might join the cast of I’m a Celebrity 2025?
Yahoo Lifestyle Australia has reported that former MasterChef judge Melissa Leong, now in the same role on Dessert Masters, is allegedly in talks to join the I’m a Celebrity cast.
A source told the publication that the low viewership of Dessert Masters this year may lead to its cancellation.
“What has happened in the past with Channel 10’s ‘network talent’ after their flagship show gets cancelled is that they get offered a significant pay cheque to enter the jungle,” the insider said.
“We saw that with Tristan McManuslast year after Studio 10 was axed. He was reluctant but eventually agreed as the network promised him more work if he signed up for the reality show,” they continued.
“The money is often quite good and if Melissa could bag a quarter of a million dollars for the proposed 21 days, that isn’t something anyone should easily turn down,” they add. “They will need to frame this offer with a very clever pitch.”
Melissa Leong with her Dessert Masters co-host Amaury Guichon. Image: Ten.
When does I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Australia 2025 air?
The new season will be released on January 19, 2025, and will air on Channel 10 and 10Play as usual.
Just imagine the advice Melissa could give the camp cooks!
I’m a Celebrity Australia… Get Me Out Of Here Australia 2025 will premiere on January 19, 2025 on Channel 10 and 10Play.
Another season of The Block is officially over, and our latest group of Blockheads has walked away with some serious prize money. But many fans wonder about the rules regarding that cash. When do the contestants receive their hefty winnings? And what about taxes?
As we covered recently, it turns out that contestants can’t divide their winnings—even in cases like Maddy and Charlotte, who took over House 1 from Jesse and Paige after they exited the competition. It’s just one of the rules that regulate how prize money is handled on The Block.
Let’s take a closer look at the cash received by contestants and when they can get their hands on their prizes.
How do contestants receive their prize money?
Eliza and Liberty Paschke, The Block contestants. Image: Nine
According to a February interview with Yahoo Lifestyle, former contestants Eliza and LibertyPaschke shared that prize money from The Block is paid to them “in instalments.”
The pair mentioned that this setup meant they “don’t have a choice but to sit on it.” So, while the exact roll-out of money may vary, this year’s winners will likely receive their winnings in periodic instalments, too.
Is prize money on The Block taxed?
Another question that comes up frequently is whether prize money on The Block is taxable.
According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), game-show winnings, including those from The Block, are generally not subject to tax. However, the ATO notes that if contestants receive “regular appearance fees” or winnings, those earnings may be treated differently.
While that’s quite the perk when you’re taking home hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, the slow rollout of the cash is probably not as enjoyed by the contestants of The Block.
Binge is upping the ante with its first original feature film, How To Make Gravy, which stars some huge Aussie names.
The movie is actually an adaptation of Paul Kelly’s iconic Australian song of the same name. It tells the story of an inmate writing a letter home as his family prepares to celebrate their first Christmas without him.
Aria award-winning musician Meg Washington and Nick Waterman have adapted the movie for the screen.
Paul Kelly’s thoughts on How to Make Gravy, the movie
Being an adaptation of a pretty iconic Paul Kelly song, many people are naturally quite interested to hear what he thinks of the project. Well, in a recent interview with The Betoota Advocate, he shared that he tried not to get too involved in the process and just allowed the team to create their film as they imagined it.
“My attitude was, that’s their piece of work, not mine. The song’s a starting off point, and I didn’t want to – certainly didn’t want to be hovering over them or trying to control it in any way.”
He continued, sharing that he feels it’s a good thing that the creatives behind the film moved away from his ideas somewhat and that he was amazed at how they were able to think up stories he’d never considered.
“I realised I don’t know much about the characters in that song – a lot of them are just names…”
The movie stars Daniel Henshall(Snowtown, Mystery Road: Origin) and Australian icon Hugo Weaving (Love Me, The Lord of the Rings, The Matrix), with Brenton Thwaites(Titans, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales) and DamonHerriman (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Mr Inbetween, The Bikeriders)
The cast also includes Kate Mulvany(The Twelve, Hunters, Lambs of God), and, making her English-language debut, celebrated French actress Agathe Rouselle as well as Jonah Wren Phillips, Rose Statham, Izzy Westlake, Eloise Rothfield, Eugene Gilfedder and Kym Gyngell.
Of course, the film will stay true to its rock ‘n’ roll roots and will also feature cameo performances from Australian musicians, including powerhouse Adam Briggs and rising rap talent Dallas Woods.
Hugo Weaving. Twitter.
When does it come out?
How To Make Gravy will be available to stream on Binge from December 1.
Is there a trailer?
There is! Watch it below.
What else has been said about How To Make Gravy?
The execs over at Binge have released a few statements about How To Make Gravy, which give some interesting insight.
“It’s a great privilege to bring Paul Kelly’s iconic song to the screen. I’ve listened to the song for decades, often on my own Christmas road trip, conjuring up the characters, wondering if Stella made her flight and if the brothers made it down from Queensland. Come 2024, at last, we’ll know!” Alison Hurbert-Burns, Executive Director BINGE and Commissioning & Content Foxtel Group said.
“And with an all-star cast, and such talented creatives in Nick and Meg and our production partners at Warner Bros, we can’t wait to share it with Australia, in what we hope will become a beloved addition to Gravy Day, for many years to come.”
The directors Meg and Nick also weighed in.
“It’s a dream to be working with such an incredible cast and crew on our debut feature film. It’s a testament to Paul’s songwriting that the world and characters within the song are so vivid, and we are proud to have the honour of bringing it to life,” they said.
“It’s a uniquely Australian story, made for film lovers and music fans alike. We can’t wait to share our adaptation of How To Make Gravy with the world.”
My Kitchen Rules (MKR) 2024 has seen nine teams prepare meals for the judges Manu Fieldel and Colin Fassnidge. Those teams have been whittled down throughout the season, and just four remain; the semi-finalists.
Interestingly, only two of the semi-finalist teams are OG contestants, while the other two are MKR Gatecrashers — which are teams that were bought in during the second Instant Restaurant round as intruders.
With the MKR finale nearing closer, we take a closer look at 2024’s top four teams.
Simone and Viviana
Simone and Viviana at their Instant Restaurant. Image: Seven.
Italian besties Simone and Viviana have captured fans’ hearts with their quick senses of humour, as well as their impressive cooking skills.
Simone and Viviana received the highest score in My Kitchen Rules history at their second Instant Restaurant, a whopping 104 out of 110. They also topped the MKRleaderboard in round two with a score of 68 out of 100. Throughout the season, they’ve received eight perfect ten scores from the judges.
Maddie and Janey
Maddie and Janey at their My Kitchen Rules Instant Restaurant. Image: Seven.
Janey and Maddie have rubbed some of their co-stars the wrong way with some blunt criticisms of the food they’ve been served. However, there’s no denying that the mother-daughter duo can cook!
Being gate crashers, the Victorian team only participated in two Instant Restaurant rounds; they narrowly missed out on elimination when they came fourth in the second round. However, Maddie and Janey clearly took on the judge’s advice as they placed second in the Ultimate Instant Round.
Caz and Fergus
Caz and Fergus at their My Kitchen Rules Instant Restaurant. Image: Seven.
Caz and Fergus were another team that entered the competition as Gatecrashers. The mother-and-son team have stayed consistent throughout the season and repeatedly impressed the judges.
While they haven’t managed to score a ten from the judges so far, they came second in round two, and fourth in round three.
Mike and Pete
Mike and Pete at their MKR Instant Restaurant. Image: Seven.
Long-time besties Mike and Pete love to cook Italian-style food. During round one of the Instant Restaurants, Mike was dubbed the ‘Cannoli king’ after serving a perfect dessert that received a ten from both Colin and Manu.
The men placed third in all three rounds of MKR’s Instant Restaurants.
We can’t wait to see who takes home the crown this year!
Watch MKR on Mondays and Tuesdays at 7.30 pm on 7 and 7plus.
TheLove Island Australia villa is in for a shake-up as Kaylah Holmes, a bold Bombshell and former pro swimmer, prepares to enter. Here’s what to know about Kaylah and her plans to stir things up.
What do we know about Bombshell Kaylah Holmes?
Kaylah Holmes, Love Island Australia‘s new Bombshell. Image: Nine
Kaylah Holmes, 22, is a health and fitness coach from the NSW Central Coast. Once a dedicated competitive swimmer, she has since switched her focus to bodybuilding. Describing her approach to the show, Kaylah told Nine, “The girls can try to hold onto their guy, but to be honest, I tend to always get what I want.” With her confident attitude, Kaylah won’t let anything hold her back in the villa.
A quick look at Kaylah’s social media profiles shows the bodybuilder proudly displaying her training sessions and how she keeps her figure feeling strong, so you can expect a lot of intense workouts during her stay in the Love Island Australia villa.
Is Kaylah looking for love?
According to Nine, Kaylah is keen to find love and a serious relationship – so it seems nothing will be getting in the way of that for her.
She shared that she feels her best feature is her smile, and “I do like to use it to my advantage now and then.”
Speaking to producers about what she’s looking for in a man, Kaylah explained, “I’m looking for ‘mi marito’, so my future husband. The type of guy that I normally go for: tall, dark, handsome – can bicep curl me, maybe?”
Where can I follow her on social media?
If you’d like to take a peek at Kaylah’s socials you can find her on Instagram: @kaylah.holmes and TikTok: @kaylah.holmes.
Kaylah will join fellow Bombshell Krissy Bertone as well as other Bombshells Tommy Armour, Sophie Mills, and Taylor Reid. The question remains: will she find the partner she’s looking for in the villa?
The one thing Daniel would change about his journey
Daniel Pasquali on Dessert Masters. Image: Ten
Speaking with Chattr in an exclusive interview, Daniel shared, “It’s funny, because the reason why I picked the gold technique is because I’ve used it in the past, a lot of times.”
“I use it mainly to (sic) sphere objects like cake pops or chocolate spheres dipped in gold leaf, and I’ve never done a ring. But I thought, ‘Oh, must be the same, right?’ No, it’s not.”
If he had his time again, Daniel shared, “Yeah, absolutely… if I could go back in time, yes, I would change it. Just the ring. I would do like a nice diamond on top, maybe?”
Daniel reflects on his time on Dessert Masters
When Chattr asked Daniel how he feels now reflecting on his elimination from theDessert Masters competition, he said that while “it was sad to leave the competition… at the same time, I was happy to be involved.”
“I had the opportunity to learn too much from all the chefs, from the judges. And, plus, I met new nine people, nine friends!”
Daniel explained that when he was invited to join the show, “Without thinking twice, I said yes because I’m a very competitive person. I love to be creative, and, you know, I love a high-pressure environment, as well.”
“I was like, I don’t wanna play safe. I don’t wanna keep making just cakes, you know, like the stuff that I usually make… I told myself, ‘If I’m in the competition, I need to push myself. I need to play and try to learn new things.'”
He continued, sharing that he was looking for a fast-paced, challenging experience when joining Dessert Masters, and that’s precisely what he got.
When competing in an environment like that, Daniel shared, the key is, “You don’t have much time to think about it, so you kind of need to… trust your natural instinct.”
And in following that process, Daniel was able to deliver some incredible dishes, even landing the top dish with his Blueberry Lushington creation.
“I’m glad I never had any negative feedback about flavours or about textures,” he shared.
“Actually, they [the judges] always loved that. And I’m glad that I was in the bottom just once – when I left.”
Who does Daniel think will win Dessert Masters 2024?
When we asked Daniel which contestant he thinks has the potential to win the entire Dessert Masters competition in 2024, he shared that Jana Lai and Christy Tania are both “like magicians”.
“They are like these amazing two talented wizards that can create amazing things with simple ingredients,” he said.
What’s next for Daniel?
Now that Dessert Masters is over for Daniel, he shared that his focus is centred on fun new projects like baking classes and pop-up stores.
And when we asked if he’d be open to another cooking show, he gushed, “Oh my gosh, yes! I would love it.”
One thing’s for sure, we’ll be seeing much more glitter and gold in his future!
Dessert Masters airs on Mondays at 7:30pm on Channel 10 and 10Play.
The MKR cast headed around Australia and served up their best dishes in the hope of topping the My Kitchen Rules 2024 leaderboard.
In each episode of the Instant Restaurant rounds one and two, each of the teams invited the MKR judgesManu Fieldeland Colin Fassnidge– as well as the other contestants – into their homes for a three-course meal.
The team cooking the meal was given feedback from the judges after each course, and at the end of dinner, the contestants and the judges put together a score for the meal.
The MKR 2024 teams. Image: Seven.
Each of the five teams of contestants gave an overall score out of 10 for all of the meals prepared, meaning that their score made up 50 points out of 110. Meanwhile, Manu and Colin scored each course out of 10, so their points make up 60 out of 110.
By the end of the Instant Restaurant rounds, the two teams with the lowest score were eliminated from the competition. Another team was eliminated from the show at the conclusion of round two.
Now, the remaining teams have completed the Ultimate Instant Restaurant round. Read on to find out where the MKR 2024 leaderboard currently stands.
The Overall MKR 2024 Leaderboard: Ultimate Instant Restaurant round
Simone and Viviana – 68 out of 100.
Janey and Maddie – 63 out of 100.
Mike and Pete – 63 out of 100.
Caz and Fergus – 62 out of 100.
Rob and Liam – 57 out of 100.
Individual scores for the Ultimate Instant Restaurant round
Janey and Maddie, 63
Maddie and Janey at their Instant Restaurant. Image: Seven.
Maddie and Janey were the last team to cook in the Ultimate Instant Restaurant round, which meant that it would either be them, or Rob and Liam — who had the lowest score for the round — eliminated.
For entree, the mother and daughter duo served up Fettuccine with Blue Swimmer Crab with Lemon and Chilli or Smoked Trout and Leek Tart for entrée.
For main they made Pan Fried Chicken Breast with Wild Mushroom Cream and Truffle Potatoes and Seafood Pie with Paris Mash and Tomato Relish. Dessert was Piña Colada with Coconut Sorbet and Salted Chocolate Tart with Mint Ice Cream.
Mike and Pete at their Instant Restaurant. Image: Seven.
Mike and Pete strayed from their usual Italian cuisine at their third Instant Restaurant.
For entree, they made Fish and Chips with Chilli Sauce or Mushroom Risotto. For the main they served Cauliflower steak with Cannellini Bean puree and Chimichurri sauce or Squid Ink Pasta with King Prawns.
They finished up with a dessert of CrèmeBrûlée or Apple Custard Pie with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.
Overall, the men received a high enough score to stay off the bottom of the Ultimate Instant Restaurant leaderboard.
Guest Teams scores: 23/40
Manu’s scores: 21/30
Colin’s scores: 19/30
Overall MKR 2024 leaderboard score: 63/100
Simone and Viviana, 68
Simone and Viviana at their second Ultimate Instant Restaurant. Image: Seven.
What did Simone and Viviana cook at their Ultimate Instant Restaurant? The Italian besties dished up Prosciutto and Melon Cheesecake and Crostini di Polenta for entrée.
For their mains, they chose Pappardelle with Duck Ragu or Risotto with Scampi and Stracciatella. Simone and Viviana finished up with Tiramisu and Sfogliatella Ricca for dessert.
Guest Teams scores: 25/40
Manu’s scores: 25/30
Colin’s scores: 18/30
Overall MKR 2024 leaderboard score: 68/100
Caz and Fergus, 62
Caz and Fergus at their Ultimate Instant Restaurant. Image: Seven.
What did Caz and Fergus cook at their Ultimate Instant Restaurant? The mum and son duo made Scallops Squared and Chicken Liver Parfait with Fig Chutney for entree.
For their mains, they opted for Slow Roasted Duck Massaman or Steak Frites with Café De Paris Butter, Bone Marrow and Green Salad.
Their desserts were Mascarpone Meringue Cake and Little Blackberry Puddings with Crème Anglaise.
Guest Teams scores: 23/40
Manu’s scores: 19/30
Colin’s scores: 20/30
Overall MKR 2024 leaderboard score: 62/100
Rob and Liam, 57 – Eliminated
Rob and Liam standing in front of their competitors. Image: Seven.
What did Rob and Liam cook for the Ultimate Instant Restaurant round? The brothers first entree was Beef Cheek Tacos with Smoked Cheese Sauce and Pico de Gallo, and the second was Morcilla Spring Rolls with Red Pepper Sauce and Charred Chorizo Crumb.
For main they served Peri Peri Woodfired Chicken with Chargrilled Corn and Garlic Aioli and Sticky Pork Ribs with Charred Sprouts and Chimichurri.
For Dessert, the boys dished up Passionfruit Bavarois with Lime Sorbet and Tequila and Churros with Pistachio Mascarpone Cream and Liqueur and Chocolate Sauce.
Guest Teams scores: 21/40
Manu’s scores: 16/30
Colin’s scores: 20/30
Overall MKR 2024 leaderboard score: 57/100
The Overall Kitchen HQ Scores
The MKR teams that made it through both rounds of the Instant Restaurants progressed through to Kitchen HQ. There they will undertake cooking challenges and compete in Elimination Cooks until there is just one team left standing.
MKR Contestants being at the Elimination Cook. Image: Seven.
Elimination Cook One
Simone and Viviana – 27 out of 30
Mike and Pete – 21 out of 30
Hannah and Lawrence – 19 out of 30 – Eliminated
The Overall MKR 2024 Leaderboard: Round Two
After round one was completed, the remaining teams—apart from the pair that topped the leaderboard and are immune—were sent around Australia again with three new pairs of Gatecrashers for round two.
Robert and Andrea are MKR gatecrashers. Image: Seven.
What did they cook for round two? Married couple Robert and Andrea wanted to honour their German heritage with their Instant Restaurant Unser Bayerischer Hof — which translates to “Our Bavarian yard”.
For the entree, they served Leberknödel Suppe (Liver dumplings in broth), and for the main, they made Fleischkaese Bratwurst with Potato Salad and Red Cabbage. For dessert, they dished up Black Forest Cake.
Guest Teams scores: 20/50
Manu’s scores: 13/30
Colin’s scores: 13/30
Overall MKR 2024 leaderboard score: 46/110
Mike and Pete, 70
Mike and Pete with Manu and Colin on MKR. Image: Seven.
What did they cook for round two?Mike and Pete’s second Instant Restaurant had a similar result to their first experience.
They served Gnocchi with Burnt Butter Sage for the entree and Eye Fillet with Polenta Chips and Brussels Sprouts for the main. For dessert, they dished up Drunken Pear with Vanilla Ice cream.
Manu and Colin raved about their entree, but the judges were sorely disappointed with the dessert. Colin scored it a 4, and Manu a 5.
Guest Teams scores: 33/50
Manu’s scores: 19/30
Colin’s scores: 18/30
Overall MKR 2024 leaderboard score for round two: 70/110
Hannah and Lawrence, 53
Hannah and Lawrence with Pete and Manu on MKR. Image: Seven.
What did they cook for round two? Hannah and Lawrence returned to their Instant Restaurant Missing Piece in round two.
This time, they served an entrée of Chargrilled Octopus with Roasted Capsicum and Chilli sauce and Crispy Pork Belly, Mashed Cauliflower, Vermouth Jus and Apple Sauce for the main. For dessert, they cooked Gaufre de Bruxelles (Belgium waffles) with Strawberry Lime sauce and Dark Chocolate.
Guest Teams scores: 25/50
Manu’s scores: 14/30
Colin’s scores: 14/30
Overall MKR 2024 leaderboard score: 53/110
Janey and Maddie, 65
Janey and Maddie are MKR gatecrashers. Image: Seven.
What did they cook for round two?Janey and Maddie held a black-tie affair for their first Instant Restaurant, and all their guests were dressed up to the nines.
They served Seared Scallops with Citrus Beurre Blanc and Capers for entree and Duck breast with Beetroot and Cherry Sauce for the main. For dessert, they dished up Liquorice Ice cream with Macaron shells and Raspberry Coulis.
Guest Teams scores: 28/50
Manu’s scores: 18/30
Colin’s scores: 19/30
Overall MKR 2024 leaderboard score: 65/110
Caz and Fergus, 72
Caz and Fergus are Gatecrashers. Image: Seven.
What did they cook for round two? Caz and Fergus were the first Instant Restaurant of round two, and their competitors gathered at their Tunes and Spoons restaurant in their NSW home.
For entree, they whipped up a Twice Baked Leek and Cheese Souffle. The mum and son’s main was a Pinenut and Pistachio Toothfish Vichyssoise, and for dessert, they served Miso Caramel Cheesecake with Shichimi Togarashi.
Guest Teams scores: 31/50
Manu’s scores: 21/30
Colin’s scores: 20/30
Overall MKR 2024 leaderboard score for round two: 72/110
Simone and Viviana
MKR’s Simone and Viviana got the highest score ever. Image: Seven.
What did they cook for round two? At their second Instant Restaurant, Simone and Viviana received the highest score in MKR history. They served an entree of Beef Tartare with Crumbed Yogurt and Crostini and a main of Prawn and Potato Ravioli with Prawn Bisque. For dessert, they served the table Millefoglie.
Guest teams scores: 46/50
Manu’s scores: 29/30
Colin’s scores: 29/30
Overall MKR 2024 leaderboard score for round two: 104/110
The Overall MKR 2024 Leaderboard: Round One
Round one saw Rob and Liam top the leaderboard with a score of 84. Danny and Sonia and Ash and Cassie were at the bottom and got sent home from the competition.
Rob and Liam – 84 out of 110
Simone and Viviana – 74 out of 110
Mike and Pete – 72 out of 110
Hannah and Lawrence – 68 out of 110
Ash and Cassie – 60 out of 110
Danny and Sonia – 56 out of 110
Individual scores for round one
Rob and Liam, 84
Rob and Liam were the first contestants on the MKR 2024 leaderboard. Image: Seven.
What did they cook for round one?Rob and Liam—otherwise known as the ‘bros with the mos’—specialise in making delicious sauces, which they demonstrated during the Instant Restaurant round.
The brothers served local Safety Beach Mussels in a Cajun sauce for their entree, Beef Short Ribs with Nduja Cauliflower Cheese for the main, and Peanut Butter S’mores with Bourbon Caramel sauce for dessert.
Guest Teams scores: 37/50
Manu’s scores: 24/30
Colin’s scores: 23/30
Overall MKR 2024 leaderboard score: 84/110
Ash and Cassie, 60 – Eliminated
Ash and Cassie were eliminated on MKR. Image: Seven.
What did they cook for round one? Ash and Cassie’s Instant Restaurant was called Dieticians Dishing It and they went for healthy Asian-inspired meals.
They got off to a strong start with their entrée of Duck Pancakes, However, their main meal, Crispy Pork Belly with Green Papaya Salad, wasn’t cooked for long enough which drew some criticism.
The women made Coconut Kaffir Lime Panna Cotta with Lime Syrup and Ginger Crumb for dessert, which received moderately good feedback from the judges and their fellow MKR contestants.
Guest Teams scores: 26/50
Manu’s scores: 17/30
Colin’s scores: 17/30
Overall MKR 2024 leaderboard score: 60/110
Simone and Viviana, 74
Simone and Viviana came second on the MKR leaderboard in round one. Image: Seven.
What did they cook for round one? Best friends Simone and Viviana invited their fellow contestants into their Instant Restaurant Sotto le Stelle (Under the Stars).
For their entree, they served a Ricotta and Prawn Cannoli Salati entrée, which received a flawless ten-point score from Manu.
For the main they made Tagliatelle Ragu Di Polpo (Octopus) which also scored a ten from both judges and for dessert, they dished up a Pistachio Tortino.
Danny and Sonia were eliminated on MKR. Image: Seven.
What did they cook for round one? Danny and Sonia cooked up a storm for the contestants in their Instant Restaurant The Broasis.
The true-blue Aussie siblings made an entree of Townsville Mud Crab with Mango Chilli Dip.
They followed that with a main of filet mignon with garlic prawn toppers, beer-battered wedges, and bacon bronccoli salad. However, Danny ignored Colin’s advice to sear an expensive cut of meat before putting it in the oven, which left it soggy.
For dessert, they served Espresso Martini Trifle dessert, which, unfortunately, didn’t set.
Guest Teams scores: 26/50
Manu’s scores: 14/30
Colin’s scores: 16/30
Overall MKR 2024 leaderboard score: 56/110
Hannah and Lawrence, 68
Hannah and Lawrence on MKR. Image: Seven.
What did they cook for round one?Hannah and Lawrence served the contestants a three-course meal from their Instant Restaurant Missing Piece.
For a starter, they made Croquettes de fromage with Ginger Brussels sprouts and jamon and Jalapeno Aioli, and for the main, they served Lamb Rump with Crispy Onion Rings, Carrot puree, and Carrot-Top Salsa.
Hannah and Lawrence’s dessert of Baked Apples with Brandy Caramel and Cinnamon Ice cream wasn’t received well by the judges or the contestants.
Guest Teams scores: 31/50
Manu’s scores: 19/30
Colin’s scores: 18/30
Overall MKR 2024 leaderboard score: 68/110
Mike and Pete, 72
Mike and Pete on MKR. Image: Seven.
What did they cook for round one? Mike and Pete’s Instant Restaurant was the last of round one, and after critiquing all of their competitors’ dishes harshly, they’d set high expectations for their own food.
At their Instant restaurant Twisted Lemons, they served Crayfish Ravioli in Mariana Sauce for the entree, an Osso Buco with Soft Polenta and Broccolini for the main and Sicilian Cannoli with Ricotta for dessert.
While their entrees and mains failed to impress the judges and competitors alike, both Colin and Manu awarded them a 10 for their dessert. The score put them in third place and kept them safe from elimination.
