Episode 3 - Back to Basics and Team Elimination

Episode Three - Masterchef Australia - Back to Basics - Team Challenges and Eliminations

Day 3 on Masterchef saw those ten contestants who scored the lowest votes in the signature dish in Episode 2 made to undergo a back to basics team challenge. Eight of the ten contestants were set to be eliminated in this episode.

It was an early start for the team - 6.45 am, before each contestant was asked to choose their partner for the challenge. The challenge was to present two dishes - one main and one desert with ingredients sourced directly from the farm.

Each of the pairs were given $50, a car and a map with seven different farms where they could source their ingredients. Each of the farms specialised in different produce.

The teams were as follows:

Anthony Howell and Justin Moran

Philip Vakos and Andrea Heading

Siobhan Halse and Kim McGinnis

Richard Gunner and Stuart Pritchard

Jennifer Anne and Kate Zahner

But it wasn't all smooth sailing. While most of the teams worked together to collect their produce direct from the farms and the butcher, there was obvious tension between Phillip and Andrea. There was concern from Philip over the time taken by Andrea to collect the ingredients and over her decision to cook the main dish.

It all came to a head as Andrea and Phil arrived back to Masterchef headquarters. Andrea had decided not to cook, but was talked back to the competition by George and Gary. It didn't last long, with Andrea finally leaving Philip to cook by himself.

The teams then worked to create their fresh food mains and deserts, with Philip taking up the challenge to continue cooking both dishes.

Jennifer and Kate produced Poached Chicken in Vegetable Broth for main and a White Peach Ice Cream and Raspberry Sorbet

Anthony and Justin served up Herb Crusted rack of Lamb with Vegetables and Raspberries with Profiteroles.

Richard and Stuart put forward Lam with Leek, Spinach and Goat's Cheese and a Trio of Fruit with Goat's Cheese

Siobhan and Kim served Rack of Pork with Caramelised Peach Puree and Mixed Berry Baked Cheesecake.

Philip put together two dishes, Risotto with Goat's Cheese, Spinach and Mushroom and Shortcrust Strawberry Tart.

And the two judged to be the best of the team challenge....

Jennifer and Kate

All other contestants were eliminated from Masterchef Australia series 2. Or were they?

There was a surprise for one. While his risotto was not judged up to scratch, Philip Vakos' Strawberry tart was highly rated by the judges as was his determination to continue in the face of adversity. For his efforts he was granted a lifeline - and remained in the competition.

Does this mean a final 25 contestants instead of 24 after the first week?

Episode 2 - Signature Dish Challenge & Pressure Test

Episode 2 - Season 2, Masterchef Australia - Signature Dish and Beef Wellington Pressure Test

"Give us bad food...we dont like it. Give us good food, we want to hug you and kiss you". So says George Calombaris as the second episode gets underway. Yet Matt Preston's pink pants were the talking point in the first signature dish challenge of the second series.

The top three women and top three men in the signature dish challenge were set to go through to the next challenge - a pressure test with the two winners progressing to the final 24 contestants from week 2.

The signature test winners had a unique twist - they were self judged by other contestants. And yet there was another surprise - there was a tie - with four women being chosen to go through to the pressure test.

They were:

Claire Winton Burn with her Cous Cous and Pomegranate Sauce

Bel Erarslan with her Fig and Mastic Bavois

Adele Fragnito with her Goats Cheese and Eggplant with Currant and Pine Nut Dressing

Skye Craig with a Lemon Myrtle Semifreddo with Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Alvin Quah presented his Twice Cooked Duck with Coriander and Peanut Salad

Jimmy Seervai with his Chilli Crab Curry with Crispy Okra

Jonathon Daddia and a Saddle of Lamb with Moroccan Spiced Dates

These seven contestants progressed to the pressure test - one of Gary Mehigan's favourite dishes - Beef Wellington with a red wine sauce/gravy.

And the top two contestants from the pressure test going through to the final 24 contestants were...

Claire Winton Burn and Jimmy Seervai

Recipes - Basic Beef Wellington

How to Cook Basic Beef Wellington

Basic Beef Wellington
1 Kilo of Mushrooms
2 medium onions
2 tablespoons of butter
1 tablespoon of salt
1 tablespoon of black pepper
120grams of foie gras pate
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1 kilo of beef tenderloin
500 grams of puff pastry

Preparation
For the stuffing: Add the mushrooms and onions into a food processor and puree. Melt the butter in a skillet over a medium heat then add the mushroom and onion mixture. Cook while stirring occasionally until the combined mixture is dry. Add the salt and pepper and mash in the foie gras pate. Move the stuffing into a bowl and cool it in the refrigerator.

For the meat: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over a high heat then add the beef and sear on all sides. Remove the meat from the skillet and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Then place it in the refrigerator until cool.

Then lay out the chilled puff pastry into a rectangle which will enclose the beef. Place a generous layer of stuffing on the pastry then place the beef on top. Add some more stuffing to the top of the beef. Wrap the pastry and seal, then place the Beef Wellington in the fridge to cool for at least 20 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 425F then place the Beef Wellington in the oven and then lower the heat to 350F. Roast for about 30-35 minutes.

Remove from the oven and allow Beef Wellington cool for about 20 minutes.

Episode One - Challenges and Eliminations

Challenges and Eliminations from Episode 1 - Season, 2 Masterchef Australia

The first episode of Masterchef Series Two pitted 50 contestants against each other in high pressure challenges which resulted in 5 eliminations from the competition.

Contestants were presented with a BBQ and a choice of ingredients and given 90 minutes to produce a meal for the judges. All of the meals were tasted by judges Gary, George and Matt with the bottom ten contestants identified and made to take part in an elimination round.

Guest Chef Donna Hay presented the contestants with a tricky challenge - an Australian classic - Pavlova.

The ten contestants who took part in the Pavlova elimination challenge were:

Irmgard Kastner
Nicki Tsonis
Sharnee Rawson
Jason McCloy
Adele Fragnito
Mark Smith
Sarah Carmichael
Dom Corrigan
Amanda Cummins
Michelle Lewis

And the eliminations from Episode 1 were....

Jason McCloy
Amanda Cummins
Nicki Tsonis
Michelle Lewis
Irmgard Kastner

Contestant Profile - Adam Liaw

Masterchef Australia Contestant Adam Liaw

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Adam Liaw is aged 31 and is a Media Lawyer from South Australia. Adam returned from Tokyo just to compete in Masterchef. Adam even has his own blog where he details recipes as well as taking professional looking shots of the finished product.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Siobhan Halse

Masterchef Australia Contestant Siobhan Halse

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Siobhan Halse is aged 31 and is a Personal Assistant from Western Australia.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Richard Gunner

Masterchef Australia Contestant Richard Gunner

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Richard Gunner is aged 37 and is a Cattle and Sheep Farmer from South Australia.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Andrea Heading

Masterchef Australia Contestant Andrea Heading

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Andrea Heading is aged 42 and owns an Advertising Agency in South Australia.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Jason McCloy

Masterchef Australia Contestant Jason McCloy

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Jason McCloy is aged 34 and is a Game Boat Fisherman from Victoria.

Jason was eliminated from the competition in Episode 1.

Contestant Profile - Jackie Neill

Masterchef Australia Contestant Jackie Neill

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Jackie Neill is aged 51 and is an empty nester from New South Wales.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Jennifer Anne

Masterchef Australia Contestant Jennifer Anne

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Jennifer Anne is aged 29 and is a Public Servant from Victoria.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Justin Moran

Masterchef Australia Contestant Justin Moran

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Justin Moran is aged 36 and is a Businessman from Victoria.

A Current Affair launched a scathing attack on Justin Moran on the eve of the third episode, claiming that he was a failed businessman, a bankrupt and previously charged with contempt of court. They also claim that he had been banned from holding a liquor licence for 20 years. A Current Affair also claim that they had been contacted by numerous people stating that he owes them money.

For his part, Justin Moran made a statement to A Current Affair suggesting that the matters raised were all in his past.

Justin Moran was eliminated in the third episode of Masterchef.

Contestant Profile - Adele Fragnito

Masterchef Australia Contestant Adele Fragnito

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Adele Fragnito is aged 49 and is a Hairdresser from South Australia. Adele was born in Italy and came to Australia when she was five years old.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Graeme Macdonald

Masterchef Australia Contestant Graeme Macdonald

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Graeme Macdonald is aged 49 and is a Doctor from Queensland.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Fiona Inglis

Masterchef Australia Contestant Fiona Inglis

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Fiona Inglis is aged 24 and is a Primary School Teacher from Victoria.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Peter Kritikides

Masterchef Australia Contestant Peter Kritikides

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Peter Kritikides is aged 29 and is a Lawyer from Victoria.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Kim McGinnis

Masterchef Australia Contestant Kim McGinnis

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Kim McGinnis is aged 24 and is an Executive Assistant from Western Australia.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Jimmy Seervai

Masterchef Australia Contestant Jimmy Seervai

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Jimmy Seervai is aged 31 and is a Food Ingredient Researcher from New South Wales.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Philip Vakos

Masterchef Australia Contestant Philip Vakos

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Philip Vakos is aged 27 and is an Auditor from Tasmania.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Stuart Pritchard

Masterchef Australia Contestant Stuart Pritchard

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Stuart Pritchard is aged 44 and is a Chemical Engineer from Western Australia.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Lacey Noakes

Masterchef Australia Contestant Lacey Noakes

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Lacey Noakes is aged 27 and is a Doctor from South Australia.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Katie Pepper

Masterchef Australia Contestant Katie Pepper

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Katie Pepper is aged 26 and is a Registered Nurse from Victoria.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Devon Headland

Masterchef Australia Contestant Devon Headland

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Devon Headland is aged 30 and is a builder from Queensland.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Jake Bujayer

Masterchef Australia Contestant Jake Bujayer

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Jake Bujayer is aged 29 and is a Cement Renderer from New South Wales. Jake suffered a series of minor mishaps in the first episode of Masterchef, taking a big chunk out of his thumb while chopping parsley. He then followed that up with slicing a tip off his finger while putting together a salt and pepper prawn dish.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Irmgard Kastner

Masterchef Australia Contestant Irmgard Kastner

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Irmgard Kastner is aged 67 and is a Factory Worker and mother of five from Victoria. Irmgard was raised in Austria.

Irmgard was eliminated from the competition in Episode 1.

Contestant Profile - Aaron Harvie

Masterchef Australia Contestant Aaron Harvie

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Aaron Harvie is aged 37 and is a Band Manager from New South Wales.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Joanne Zalm

Masterchef Australia Contestant Joanne Zalm

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Joanne Zalm is aged 37 and is a mother of two from New South Wales.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Matthew Caldicott

Masterchef Australia Contestant Matthew Caldicott

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Matthew Caldicott is aged 21 and is an Accountant from New South Wales.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Jo O'Brien

Masterchef Australia Contestant Jo O'Brien

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Jo O'Brien is aged 26 and is a Civil Engineer from South Australia.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Marion Grasby

Masterchef Australia Contestant Marian Grasby

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Marion Grasby is aged 27 and is a student from South Australia.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Tony Larkman

Masterchef Australia Contestant Tony Larkman

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Tony Larkman is aged 48 and is a Grain Trader from Queensland.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Jason Durward

Masterchef Australia Contestant Jason Durward

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Jason Durward is aged 30 and is a Painter and Decorator from Western Australia.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Jonathan Daddia

Masterchef Australia Contestant Jonathon Daddia

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Jonathan Daddia is aged 33 and is a Consultant from New South Wales.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Kate Zahner

Masterchef Australia Contestant Kate Zahner

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Kate Zahner is aged 30 and is a mother from Queensland.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Kate Nugara

Masterchef Australia Contestant Kate Nugara

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Kate Nugara is aged 30 and is a teacher from Victoria.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Mark Smith

Masterchef Australia Contestant Mark Smith

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Mark Smith is aged 27 and is a student from Victoria.

More to come...

Contestant Profiles - Nicki Tsonis

Masterchef Australia Contestant Nicolette Tsonis

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Nicolette Tsonis is aged 24 and is a Property Valuer from South Australia. Nicki has a fine heritage - her mother was a chef and her grandmother is considered an outstanding cook.

Nicki was eliminated from the competition in Episode 1.

Contestant Profile - Dom Corrigan

Masterchef Australia Contestant Dom Corrigan

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Dom Corrigan is aged 46 and is the Chief Executive Officer of a charity in New South Wales.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Callum Hann

Masterchef Australia Contestant Callum Hann

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Callum Hann is aged 20 and is an Engineering Student from South Australia. He has taken leave from his degree to take part in Masterchef.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Greg Scott

Masterchef Australia Contestant Greg Scott

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Greg Scott is aged 26 and is employed in Media Sales in New South Wales.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Courtney Roulston

Masterchef Australia Contestant Courtney Roulston

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Courtney Roulston is aged 29 and is a Bar Manager from New South Wales.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Daniel Aulsebrook

Masterchef Australia Contestant Daniel Aulsebrook

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Daniel Aulsebrook is aged 31 and is recently unemployed from Victoria.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Sarah Carmichael

Masterchef Australia Contestant Sarah Carmichael

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Sarah Carmichael is aged 30 and is a Police Officer from Victoria.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Michelle Lewis

Masterchef Australia Contestant Michelle Lewis

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Michelle Lewis is aged 27 and is a Forensic Clinician from Victoria.

Michelle was eliminated from the competition in Episode 1.

Contestant Profile - Anthony Howell

Masterchef Australia Contestant Anthony Howell

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Anthony Howell is aged 29 and is an Airline Pilot from New South Wales.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Henry Cheung

Masterchef Australia Contestant Henry Cheung

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Henry Cheung is aged 27 and is a doctor from New South Wales

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Bel Erarslan

Masterchef Australia Contestant Bel Erarslan

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Bel Erarslan is aged 22 and is a student from New South Wales.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Sharnee Rawson

Masterchef Australia Contestant Sharnee Rawson

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Sharnee Rawson is aged 21 and is a Law Student from Queensland.

More to come...

Contestant Profile - Claud Barone

Masterchef Australia Contestant Claud Barone

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Claud Barone is aged 48 and is a Town Planner from South Australia.

More to come...

Masterchef Contestant Profile - Skye Craig

Masterchef Australia Contestant Skye Craig

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Skye Craig is aged 35 and is an Art Director from Queensland.

More to come...

Masterchef Contestant Profile - Claire Winton Burn

Masterchef Australia Contestant Claire Winton Burn

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Claire Winton Burn is aged 31 and is a Lawyer from Victoria

More to come...

Masterchef Contestant Profile - Amanda Cummins

Masterchef Contestant Amanda Cummins

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Amanda Cummins is aged 51 and is a Teacher from Tasmania.

Amanda was eliminated from the competition in Episode 1.

Masterchef Contestant Profile - Alvin Quah

Masterchef Contestant Alvin Quah

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Alvin Quah is aged 35 and is a Scientific Affairs Manager from New South Wales

More to come...

Masterchef Contestant Profile - Carrie Johnston

Masterchef Contestant Carrie Johnston

More than 7000 applicants submitted their names to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia. That list was cut down to just 50 to take part in the first week of the program, before being culled again to a top 24.

Masterchef Australia features 6 shows per week, with numerous challenges and two elimination rounds. A Masterclass session is held once a week.

Carrie Johnston is aged 34 and is a Human Resources Consultant from New South Wales.

More to come...

Top 50 Contestants Masterchef Season 2

Top 50 Contestants of Masterchef Australia Series Two

More than 7000 people applied to take part in the second season of Masterchef Australia but only 50 were lucky enough to have their chance to be Australia's second Masterchef.

After the first week of competition, the 50 original contestants will be reduced to 24. Two more will be eliminated every week after that.

The top 50 contestants are:

Carrie Johnston - 34 - HR Consultant - New South Wales

Alvin Quah - 35 - Scientific Affairs Manager - New South Wales

Amanda Cummins - 51 - Teacher - Tasmania

Claire Winton Burn - 31 - Lawyer - Victoria

Skye Craig - 35 - Art Director - Queensland

Claud Barone - 48 - Town Planner - South Australia

Sharnee Rawson - 21 - Law Student - Queensland

Bel Erarslan - 22 - Student - New South Wales

Henry Cheung - 27 - Doctor - New South Wales

Anthony Howell - 29 - Airline Pilot - New South Wales

Michelle Lewis - 27 - Forensic Clinician - Victoria

Sarah Carmichael - 30 - Police Officer - Victoria

Daniel Aulsebrook - 31 - Unemployed - Victoria

Courtney Roulston - 29 - Bar Manager - New South Wales

Greg Scott - 26 - Media Sales - New South Wales

Callum Hann - 20 - Student - South Australia

Dom Corrigan - 46 - Charity CEO - New South Wales

Nicki (Nicolette) Tsonis - 24 - Property Valuer - South Australia

Mark Smith - 27 - Student - Victoria

Kate Nugara - 30 - Teacher - Victoria

Kate Zahner - 28 - Mother - Queensland

Jonathan Daddia - 33 - Consultant - New South Wales

Jason Durward - 30 - Painter and Decorator - Western Australia

Tony Larkman - 48 - Grain Trader - Queensland

Marion Grasby - 27 - Student - South Australia

Jo O'Brien - 26 - Civil Engineer - South Australia

Mathew Caldicott - 21 - Accountant - New South Wales

Joanne Zalm - 37 - Mother - New South Wales

Aaron Harvie - 37 - Band Manager - New South Wales

Irmgard Kastner - 67 - Factory Worker - Victoria

Jake Bujayer - 29 - Cement Renderer - New South Wales

Devon Headland - 30 - Queensland - Builder

Katie Pepper - 26 - Registered Nurse - Victoria

Lacey Noakes - 27 - Doctor - South Australia

Stuart Pritchard - 44 - Chemical Engineer - Western Australia

Philip Vakos - 27 - Auditor - Tasmania

Jimmy Seerval - 31 - Food Ingredient Researcher - New South Wales

Kim McGinnis - 24 - Executive Assistant - Western Australia

Peter Kritikides - 29 - Lawyer - Victoria

Fiona Inglis - 24 - Teacher - Victoria

Graeme Macdonald - 49 - Doctor - Queensland

Adele Fragnito - 49 - Hairdresser - South Australia

Justin Moran - 36 - Businessman - Victoria

Jennifer Anne - 29 - Public Servant - Victoria

Jackie Neill - 51 - Empty Nester - New South Wales

Jason McCloy - 34 - Game Boat Fisherman - Victoria

Andrea Heading - 42 - Advertising Agency Owner - South Australia

Richard Gunner - 37 - Cattle and Sheep Farmer - South Australia

Siobhan Halse - 31 - Personal Assistant - Western Australia

Adam Liaw - 31 - Media Lawyer - South Australia

Masterclass Lessons with George and Gary

Masterchef Masterclass Lessons with George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan

Masterchef Australia airs on Network 10 for 6 nights every week, slotting in at 7.30pm. Each episode (except Friday) will feature a different challenge with two eliminations every week. Friday nights will feature a Masterclass.

Friday nights at Masterchef Australia sees George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan putting together a masterclass which show contestants as well as those watching at home how to cook a unique dish. A guest chef is also going to offer special masterclasses to some of the contestants. This is not an elimination or challenge round.

Some of the dishes cooked up in Series 1 of Masterchef Masterclasses included twice baked cheese souffle, braised lamb shanks, raspberry tart and chocolate cigars with sabayon.

Second Contestant Elimination Masterchef

Masterchef Australia Second Elimination - Thursday Nights

Masterchef Australia airs on Network 10 for 6 nights every week, slotting in at 7.30pm. Each episode (except Friday) will feature a different challenge with two eliminations every week. Friday nights will feature a Masterclass.

Thursday nights will see the second elimination from the Masterchef show. The contestants from the losing team from the off site challenge on Wednesday will take part in a challenge to save their spot.

The elimination challenge may take place over two rounds, with the second round vying three contestants against each other in a do or die cook off.

Contestants Off Site Challenge

Masterchef Australia Off Site Challenge

Masterchef Australia airs on Network 10 for 6 nights every week, slotting in at 7.30pm. Each episode (except Friday) will feature a different challenge with two eliminations every week. Friday nights will feature a Masterclass.

Wednesday nights on Masterchef Australia will feature an off site challenge where all the contestants are taken to another location to cook on a large scale. It could be a wedding, a large restaurant or a birthday party. Contestants will take part in teams.

The contestants are not told of the tasks to be completed before the day. They will need to work together in a high pressure environment to get the job done.

This is not an elimination round, however the losing team on the night will take part in an elimination challenge on Thursday night.

Celebrity Chef Challenge

Masterchef Australia Celebrity Chef Challenge

Masterchef Australia airs on Network 10 for 6 nights every week, slotting in at 7.30pm. Each episode (except Friday) will feature a different challenge with two eliminations every week. Friday nights will feature a Masterclass.

Tuesday nights on Masterchef Australia will feature the Celebrity Chef Challenge, where one contestant will cook off with a well known chef. The winner of the invention test on Sunday night will cook a dish chosen by the celebrity. The dish will then be blind tasted and judged by Gary, Matt and George as well as a guest judge.

If the Masterchef contestant is judged to have created a better dish than the celebrity chef, they will be granted a lifeline to stay in the competition if they are placed in an elimination round in a later challenge. This differs from series one, where a winner of a chef challenge was sent off to train at a restaurant for a number of weeks before reappearing later in the show.

Pressure Test Challenge and Elimination

Masterchef Pressure Test Challenge and Elimination

Masterchef Australia airs on Network 10 for 6 nights every week, slotting in at 7.30pm. Each episode (except Friday) will feature a different challenge with two eliminations every week. Friday nights will feature a Masterclass.

The Pressure Test and Elimination challenge will take place on a Monday. There will be three contestants who must take part in the challenge, with one of them facing elimination from the competition. The three contestants are usually given the recipe, but only a set amount of time to complete the dish. The weakest dish will see the contestant leaving the show.

Some recipes which challenged contestants in series 1 of Masterchef were Sweet and Sour Duck with Ho Fun Noodles, Chocolate Mousse Cake and Aria Chocolate Tart.

Mystery Box and Invention Test Challenge

Masterchef Mystery Box Invention Test

Masterchef Australia airs on Network 10 for 6 nights every week, slotting in at 7.30pm. Each episode (except Friday) will feature a different challenge with two eliminations every week. Friday nights will feature a Masterclass.

The Mystery Box and Invention Test will air on Sunday Nights. Contestants are given the same ingredients and need to come up with a dish of their own choosing. There is a Mystery Box test - the winner determines the main ingredient for the invention test.

The invention test is designed to challenge the contestants to create something without a set recipe. This is not an elimination round.

Masterchef Australia Series 2 Start Date

When is Masterchef Season 2 Starting?

Series 2 Masterchef Australia is scheduled to start on Network 10 on Monday 19 April at 7.30pm. According to the Masterchef team, there were over 7,000 applicants for just 50 final places.

This announcement from Masterchef:

As to be expected after such a stunning debut, thousands of Australians from all walks of life wanted to have their shot at the title of Australia’s MasterChef this year. Over 7000 people applied in the hope of being able to cook in the famed MasterChef kitchen for the judging tastebuds and under the eagle eyes of Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris.

From those multitudes, 50 were selected to compete in the frenzied Top 50 week, which this year features the involvement of top chefs Matt Moran, Donna Hay and Neil Perry. The ante has been upped and from the get go, the challenges that face these MasterChef hopefuls are nothing short of daunting.

Masterchef Australia Series 2 Video - Sneak Peek

Masterchef Australia series two is coming to our screens soon. 50 aspiring chefs will compete to be named Australia's Masterchef for 2010.

The Masterchef team has released a sneak peek into series 2. Expect much of the same drama, suspense and excitement we saw in Masterchef 1. The names of the contestants on the second series are expected shortly. See the Video:

Disclaimer

Masterchef Australia News is an unnoficial news site not connected in any way to the official Masterchef Australia.