Junior Masterchef

So another HUGE week of reality television has come to a close, and when I thought I was out of the woods; television world told me not to worry, because the onslaught is about to roughen up over the next couple of weeks!

Let’s begin with a recap of the week that’s been by starting off discussing Dancing with the Stars! On Sunday, a three hour finale saw Manu Feildel take the winner’s trophy, beating bookies favourite Haley Bracken and my personal favourite Damien Leith. It was a lengthy affair; and personally, I can’t recall half of the show due to the fact half of it was insignificant! But it does wrap up a controversial year and yes, at times I have been critical of the show pumping itself up as being a ‘controversial’ program using its own footage and footage of Seven public affairs programs to try to back up its point; but all in all, it will be one season to remember!

Speaking of things to remember, it surely was a week to remember for MasterChef as all eight remaining contestants jetsetted off to New York City; what some may call the cuisine capital of the world! There, they visited multiple places on their own to find inspirational aspects from all walks of NY and blend it into a specific dish. This challenge left Sun in lockdown and after having to cater for a massive UN dinner, Billy joined her.

And so soon after Dani won an immunity pin (of course losing it soon after), what do you know, New York worked its magic on Ellie! An elimination regular, she won this challenge of all challenges giving her an immunity pin! With only a few weeks left of the competition, Ellie sure has rocketted up the ranks of MasterChef season three to become a frontrunner for finale.

Then, the most memorable task in my opinion of the entire SERIES; seeing the judges’ faces light up on the big screen in Times Square to announce that all contestants must hunt down a recipe, race back to the Four Seasons Restaurant and cook it! In the mad rush of things, both Dani and Hayden joined Sun & Billy in elimination.

The elimination was held at the iconic Sylvia’s restaurant. Overall, the dishes were all pretty underwhelming (except for Billy’s which was praised highly by Sylvia Wood’s descendents) but it was Sun, after failing to prepare things on time, who was ultimately kicked out on a high.

It was a cruel week, if not a memorable one, but if you thought it could not get any better, think again…

Meanwhile, the ‘finale showdown’ on Australia’s Got Talent kicked off with a mirage of talent including acts such as Instant Bun, Majestic and little Jack Vidgen and those larger-than-life teeth. The nine acts amazed Australia and we are all chomping at the bit to see who made it through!

On The Amazing Race Australia; a trip through the Middle East that saw contestants dig for keys, play Matkok, read their partner’s mind and drive a massive truck was too much for bikers Dave & Kelly to muster, and the iconic team were sent home in fifth place.

The Block fired up for its third week (fourth in total) as contestants tackled the bathroom and laundry; the first ‘wet room’ of the season. What is considered the hardest room in the house, it sure did create tension, not just between contestants, but between tradies and foremen as well.

Josh & Jen won week two before winning both Shelley’s plumbing task AND Scott’s tiling task. This segregated them from the group as the other exhausted contestants gave up on the arrogant team.

Katrina & Amie hit lows after their new plans for a bathroom were scrapped; taking them back to an old plan that detailed a bathroom without a bath! But that was the least of their worries. Further into the week, their tradie staged a strike after not being paid, leaving an unfinished room for the girls to find. Later in the day, the girls also found out that they had been slugged $7,000 a week by the unruly tradie before a wet sealer who was supposed to finish off the base of their shower rejected to do the job on the grounds that the room wasn’t ready for it.

Now a day behind schedule, the girls broke down. The week did get better for them as they mustered together a new team of professionals who in turn called their own professionals to help. What a relief, but can they get it all done on time?

The week ended in an Unlocked special which saw contestants enter OTHER contestant’s homes for the first time to see their progress. Utilising judge’s comments and personal tastes, they all gave a critique on each other’s rooms. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as negative as I’d thought it would be with most contestants happy, if not surprised or delighted at their opponent’s room styles.

To the new kid on the block, Top Design, and while it was a rushed and somewhat unneatly packaged affair, it debuted with a simple premise and a fun challenge with lovely results at the worst of times.

The contestant known as Craig will be forever known as the ‘first contestant to be eliminated off Top Design’ as he was eliminated after a challenge involving them all to split up into pairs and renovate a shipping container. His partner for the week, Jo is still in the competition.

Wow, with so much reality, I hope I haven’t missed anything there as we preview what is ahead.

Well, first off, The Block extends to a new night of Sunday at 6.30pm. I look down the schedule and everything else looks the same with hour episodes on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and Shelley’s challenge moved to Monday. I have to wonder if this extra timeslot will saturate the show. Maybe in this whirlwind season it won’t, but it is an ambitious move nonetheless, one that has just crept up out of nowhere.

Can Josh & Jenna win another room, or maybe sweep all three challenges of the week? If so, it will be one hell of a s**tstorm! After judgement day on Sunday, contestants sweep into their fourth room with two more challenges coming from the hosts. It sure will be one hell of a week on The Block.

Looking at MasterChef, and remember when I said ‘if you thought things could not get any better; think again…’ well here it is- it CAN! On Sunday, none other than the Dalai Llama comes to visit the final seven in what could surpass NY Week’s Times Square challenge as the most memorable yet!

Further into the week and former Celebrity MasterChef winner Eamon Sullivan will be facing off against Sunday’s winner that may see that person win an immunity pin!

With all the trimmings of a delicious week of MasterChef, the finale drawing ever nearer and a smaller group of contestants, I’m expecting a whopper week!

Australia’s Got Talent features its final finale showcase as the final nine acts go head to head. I believe FOUR acts from week one go through to the final, although this could be five, can someone clarify?!

On The Amazing Race Australia, another team will surely be lost as the final four become the final three! Can the models Sam & Renae keep the girl flag riding high in the race for yet another week; or are we set for an all male final three?

And of course Top Design is moving into another week as well…. But I don’t know what to add for that one.

Well, another week is upon us, and while it won’t be as hectic as last week, one thing is for certain; shows such as Australia’s Got Talent, The Amazing Race Australia and MasterChef Australia are slowly drawing to a close. The Renovators, Four Weddings, Dinner Date, The X Factor, Beauty & The Geek Australia and Junior MasterChef are yet to start. If reality television is slowing down, I’d love to see the evidence, please!

Masterchef hype is ramping up.

Later this year, Ten will air its second series of Junior Masterchef in which budding young chefs between the ages of 8 and 12 will compete to see who will be the 2011 Junior Masterchef.

Applications are now open for the 2011 series – potential contestants needs to be between the ages of 8 and 12 between the dates of June 13 and October 28 2011.

Details and application form can be found here: http://www.masterchef.com.au/applications.htm

Applications close May 6, 2011.

A peak audience of 2.24 million viewers tuned in last night to watch 12-year old Isabella cook her way to the title of Australia’s first Junior MasterChef.

TEN won Monday night prime-time, beating 7 and 9 in all key demographics: 18-49 (44.5% Primary 3-Station CSHR), 16-39 (48.4% Primary 3-Station CRHS), 25-54 (42.8% Primary 3-Station CSHR) and total people (38.4% Primary 3-Station CSHR).

Junior MasterChef Australia – The Winner Announced was watched by an average audience of 1.88 million viewers, easily winning its timeslot against 7’s Criminal Minds and 9’s The Mentalist in all key demographics and total people (50.4% Primary 3-station CSHR).

In the previous timeslot, Junior MasterChef Australia – Finale Night drew a peak audience of 1.89 million viewers. Across its timeslot, Finale Night was watched by an average audience of 1.53 million viewers, soundly beating 7’s The X Factor and 9’s double episode of Two and a Half Men in all key demographics and total people (41.6% Primary 3-station CSHR).

TEN’s chief programming officer, David Mott, said: “Over the past several weeks Australians have been thoroughly awed and entertained by our Junior MasterChefs. My thanks to all the gifted young cooks who participated in the season, reminding us just how much fun cooking can be. One thing is clear – with talent like this, Australia has a bright culinary future. Network Ten is proud to be part of a food movement that inspires, educates and empowers young people to appreciate good food.”

Australia’s favourite mini chefs served up a delicious finale feast tonight, which saw Isabella [12] from Queensland crowned Australia’s first Junior MasterChef.

The Italian cooking maestro competed against Jack [12] from Tasmania in two high pressure challenges to take home the top prize.

With the top 12 contestants there to cheer them on, the finalists had to produce a dish worthy of a three hat restaurant, plus recreate a sweet sensation by dessert aficionado Adriano Zumbo.

With the pressure on, both Jack and Isabella kept their nerve and plated up dishes to rival that of Australia’s top chefs. But in the end it was Isabella’s scampi stunner and pear perfection that set her apart, gaining a near perfect 47/50 score from the judges.

On her win Isabella said, “I still can’t believe it! The biggest dream I’ve ever had has come true, and to think I had my sister there with me, it feels like I won for both of us.”

“Jack and I knew it was going to be a tough race, but I felt confident as I knew I had Sofia and the rest of my family waiting there for me and supporting me. It was also fun knowing that I was competing against a friend in Jack, who I have always admired cause of his creativity with food.”

It was tears and cheers aplenty as the result was announced, but even more so when the contestants families joined them in the MasterChef kitchen.

Speaking to the judges, Isabella’s mum Sylvana said, ”I’m so proud of both of them. They have done so well and had such a great time. It’s just been fantastic for both of them.”

With an outstanding 43/50 score from the judges, and vindication that he can cook even better than Adriano Zumbo, Jack held his head high. 

Lyn, Jack’s mum said, “He’s so amazing, he has done such an amazing job, and he has such a big heart.”

In a final nod to his friend Isabella, Jack said, “Friends going in, friends going out. She totally deserves it.”

Isabella received a $15k trust fund and Jack a $10k trust fund for their amazing achievement, and in a final surprise from the judges, both contestants and their families received a trip to Tokyo, Japan.

7.30pm Monday, November 15 on Ten

Two young cooks have faced some incredible challenges in Junior MasterChef to get to this point, but they still need to conquer two more rounds before the winner is crowned.

Excitement and nerves are put aside when their 10 fellow contestants rejoin the final two for a fun filled pressure test. But there is no cooking for them this time – it’s judges George and Gary who have to cook up a storm! The contestants have the fun task of directing the judges through the recipe via their directions yelled from the balcony over the MC kitchen. Screaming at the judges is clearly a joy for some of the kids, now they can get their own back!

Following the pressure test, George informs the two finalists they face two challenges. In each challenge they will receive a score out of 50, with the total score out of 100 deciding the winner. Can these kids cook to the stand- ard of a three-hat restaurant or even Adriano Zumbo for that matter? These challenges test just that.

The judges are presented with some fabulous dishes that display thought, skill, creativity and technique. And although only one contestant can win, a whole nation of children have been inspired and encouraged by these 12, talented young cooks.

Network Ten is delighted to announce that two of this year’s biggest new programs, Junior MasterChef Australia and Undercover Boss Australia, will return for second seasons as part of a compelling program line up for 2011.

Australian audiences have been wowed by the brilliance of this country’s best amateur young cooks, in the latest offering from the MasterChef franchise. During its first season, Sunday’s Junior MasterChef Australia commanded an average audience of 1.47 million viewers, winning its timeslot in all key demographics and total people. Monday’s Junior MasterChef Australia was watched by an average audience of 1.26 million viewers, winning its timeslot in 16-39 (38.9% Primary 3-Station CSHR).

Positive, entertaining and ultimately inspiring, Junior MasterChef Australia has proved beyond doubt that talent transcends age.

Undeniably engaging, new factual series Undercover Boss Australia has followed CEO’s from some of the country’s biggest companies, each taking the challenge of slipping anonymously into frontline jobs inside their own businesses.

Following the success of the US version of Undercover Boss, this debut season of Undercover Boss Australia drew an average audience of 1.27 million viewers and was dominant during its timeslot in all key demographics and total people.

David Mott, chief programming officer, network ten said; “TEN has enjoyed a terrific year with introducing a number of new domestic series to market.

Once again the audience supports our belief in telling true Australian stories and we thank our production partners in Shine Australia and Southern Star on delivering first class productions.

With this announcement and more to come, our program line-up of proven domestic hits and the best year from our international studio partners, strongly positions us for the year ahead.”

Junior MasterChef Australia is a Shine Australia production for Network Ten.

Undercover Boss Australia is a Southern Star production from Network Ten

It’s down to the final two on Junior MasterChef with just Jack and Isabella remaining to battle it out for the title tonight.

The 12-year-olds will face two more rounds on tonight’s finale on TEN before one of them gets to join the ranks of Julie Goodwin and Adam Liaw as a MasterChef champion.

“I’m really nervous going up against Isabella because she is one of my very best friends in the competition,” Jack said of tonight’s finale

“My strength is going to be that I tend to do things that aren’t normal. I’m feeling confident that I can do something creative enough to get a lot of points.”

The pair will compete for points on two challenges, one of which will see them cook to the standard of a three-hat restaurant.

For Isabella, the feelings are mixed considering she had to defeat her sister on the way to the final.

“It would have been really good to compete against Sofia in the final,” Isabella said.

“Sofia said that the best thing that happened to her on the show was seeing me get into the final. That gave me a lot of faith.”

The finale kicks off at 7.30pm tonight on TEN.

Source: News.com.au

7.30pm Sunday, November 14 on Ten

Tonight the remaining four finalists battle it out for a place in the grand finale! And what a battle it will be…

First up Celeb chefs Matt Moran, Christine Mansfield and Donna Hay present indi- vidual boxes containing an ingredient that all four contestants must use to create a dinner party dish. Sounds easy enough, but have you cooked with snails before? That’s right, snails, rocket and beetroot are the ingredients of the day.

As there no longer a points system, the winner of this challenge goes straight through to the finale, so the stakes are high. While some stick to a simple dish they know they can do well, others step outside their comfort zone.

Once the winner is revealed, the remain- ing three young chefs face one final chal- lenge to secure the last spot in the finale. It’s a pressure test and they are tasked with replicating George’s Mussel Spaniko- pita, a feat even more difficult for one contestant who has never cooked with mussels before.

Following the judges deliberation, two contestants depart the competition with some undeniably first-class experience under their belt, a Junior MasterChef trophy and a $5000 trust fund each.

The two finalists face a tough battle in tomorrow night’s finale, in their bid to be Australia’s first Junior MasterChef.

7.30pm Friday, November 12 on Ten

Tonight’s MasterClass is the biggest and best yet! Australia’s finest chefs – Matt Moran, Kylie Kwong, Guillaume Brahimi, Christine Mansfield, Stephanie Al- exander and Giovanni Pilu join George and Anna in the kitchen for a 90 minute MasterClass special. This is no ordinary cooking class – for the first time, viewers have the chance to cook along too.

First up the Top 12 contestants return to the JMC kitch- en for a lamb roast demonstration by cooking queen Stephanie Alexander. Matt Moran, Kylie Kwong, Guil- laume Brahimi, Christine Mansfield and Giovanni Pilu then drop by the kitchen with their own kids, nieces and nephews, for a cook-along with George as he makes a tart of rhubarb, scallop and smoked salmon. Yum!

While it’s fun to watch other people cook, it’s even better to get in the kitchen yourself. And now is your chance as MasterChef invites the entire nation to cook along at home with George in making a delicious chocolate self-saucing pudding! Last week’s episode invited viewers to jump on the MasterChef website for all ingredients. Preparation (measuring and lay out) of the ingredients will take one hour before the show.

After a fun half hour of cooking with George everyone at home should have a lovely dessert to tuck into. Cooking has never been so much fun!

After a hard fought super-challenge which saw the Junior MasterChef’s run a one-hat fine dining restaurant, tonight four more contestants departed the competition.

Nick, 10 [NSW], Pierre, 12 [NSW], Lucy, 12 [VIC] and Cassidy, 12 [VIC] served up a selection of outstanding seafood dishes, but it wasn’t enough to keep them in the competition.

Spread across two kitchens in Sydney’s prestigious ‘Flying Fish’ restaurant, the Junior MasterChef’s had three hours to prep their dishes then serve their food to order. Running a restaurant is tough work, but the mini chefs revelled in the fast paced environment. In fact it was a highlight of the series for many, with a number of the contestants realising their dream of running a restaurant.

With such an impressive selection of dishes to choose from, ‘Flying Fish’ owner and head chef Peter Kuruvita joined JMC judges Anna Gare, George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston in making the made the difficult decision of who would continue in the competition.

After careful deliberation it was decided that Isabella 12, [QLD] and Jack 12 [TAS] would join Siena 9 [VIC] and Sofia 12 [QLD] in the final four.