Emelia Jackson has surprised fans and won MasterChef 2020, beating out Laura Sharrad in an intense final challenge.
The three judges revealed that the pair had four hours to each serve a three-course meal, an entree, a main and a dessert, for the judges and their fellow contestants.
The pair were given access to the garden and open pantry, with Laura opting for a native-ingredient filled menu. Emelia decided to go with classic dishes, which delighted the judges.
Emelia ended up taking out the MasterChef title and was in disbelief, as she repeated “Are you serious?” to the judges.
However, Laura was devastated and mustered a sweet statement.
“I’m pretty gutted, I’m not gonna lie,” Laura eventually said, her eyes glistening.
“But I’m so proud of her. Mils is amazing and she deserves this so much. Like, she’s come so far. To watch her grow has been amazing. To reconnect with her has been amazing. To eat her food has been amazing. She really deserves this. She really, really does.”
Judge Jock praised Laura for how far she had come.
“Laura. I’ve watched you come a long way since you came into my kitchen. And I’ve got to say, the person you were then compared to the person you are now is … night and day. You have grown so much.”
He went on: “Not just as a chef but as a woman. The way you carry yourself in the kitchen, the way you’re standing here right now, in the midst of defeat, in a moment where you would rather just be swallowed into the earth and get the hell out of here, you stand there and praise your competitor.
“And I’ve got to say, you know, I admire that.”
Jock also revealed that Laura was going home with $30,000 to expand her business, with second-runner up Reynold $20,000.
