The MasterChef finalists were given an incredible opportunity in the latest episode of finals week, jetting off to Mexico to take on three tasks.
However, it didn’t prove such a brilliant trip for one of the remaining contestants – 38 year-old online production team manager Juanita.
The amateur cook fell ill during the final Mexico task, and was told to 'go home' instead of preparing her starter for the VIP guests.
Feeling faint with shaky hands and a fever, Juanita broke down in tears after admitting that she really wasn’t feeling well.
“You’re not letting anyone down – but sometimes you’ve got to stop,” encouraged judge John Torode. “Ooh you’re hot. Come on, you’ve got a proper fever, you have – it’s time for you to go home mate.”
“I’m just really gutted about not cooking today,” the chef said as she got some fresh air outside of the venue. “It’s really disappointing, and I feel like I’m letting the rest of the guys down. It’s just frustrating really.”
Remarkably, the other three finalists banded together to try and make Juanita’s dish as well as their own courses, following her instructions.
MasterChef 2016: the finalists
“At the end of the day it’s a competition, but in a kitchen you’re a team and we’ve got to pull together right now to get it out,” said fellow finalist Jack.
Torode was impressed with the contestants’ attitudes to Juanita’s misfortune.
“I think our three are really brave – they put their hands up to do this fourth course, they didn’t have to do that,” he said. “I’m really proud of what they’re up to.”
Juanita’s illness hasn’t damaged her chances of winning though – she’ll be returning in Thursday night’s show, but can she make it into the all-important final three?
BBC One, 8pm
