Poh Ling Yeow Defends Newly Crowned MasterChef Australia Winner Laura Sharrad Amid Season-Long Backlash
Laura Sharrad has won MasterChef Australia 2025, securing victory on her third attempt after edging out fellow South Australian Callum Hann in the grand final.
But while her win caps a season of consistent performances, it also comes at the end of weeks of online debate — with some viewers accusing the Adelaide chef of receiving preferential treatment from the judging panel, and others defending her as a skilled, strategic competitor.
Throughout the series, Sharrad’s frequent reliance on pasta — honed at her Adelaide restaurant Nido — became a talking point among fans, with some suggesting she played it safe rather than pushing into new territory. Others questioned the amount of screen time she received compared to other contestants.
Judge Poh Ling Yeow, speaking to Refinery29 Australia ahead of the finale, dismissed those criticisms as “ludicrous”, saying she had been “baffled” by the scale of the backlash.
“The thing that shocked me the most [when I became a judge was] how stringent and fair the whole judging process is,”
“I think some [part] of me was a little bit clenched going into the job, wondering if I was going to find out all these dark secrets… I arrived to find that everything is so fair and so thorough.”
Poh said the audience’s inability to taste the food leads to misunderstandings about the range of Sharrad’s cooking. She also suggested some of the criticism may stem from discomfort with confidence.
“I think people really struggle with watching highly confident females state what they want unapologetically. And Laura has always been that, right from the beginning.”
Fans Split on Gender Question
Not all viewers agreed with Poh’s assessment. One commenter wrote: “There have been many female contestants who are loved, respected and admired… The Laura hate is not a woman issue.” Another pointed to past favourites Billie McKay, Sarah Todd and Depinder Chhibber as examples of confident women embraced by the fanbase.
Others suggested the problem lies in the production. “If the judging is indeed so thorough as Poh mentioned, it is a very big problem with the production team, not conveying the same onto the screen,” one viewer argued.
Another was more blunt: “The editing has been awful this season… whoever has been directing and editing it has made it feel flat.”
Several fans also said Sharrad’s calculated approach was the main driver of criticism. “Repeating dishes with small variations, playing it safe, drawing on Orana… I guess for the home viewer, the person challenging themselves the most looks like an underdog,” wrote one.
Strategy Versus Risk
Poh contrasted Sharrad’s methodical strategy with that of Sarah Todd, who was eliminated earlier in the season after delivering high-concept dishes such as a savoury vanilla slice with chicken dill, cucumber gel and garlic cream.
“Laura has always been brilliant at [being] very highly strategic, so it’s no surprise that [she’s] gotten to the [finale],” Poh said.
Some fans felt this approach deserved the win, while others remained unconvinced. “Nothing to do with gender… I think the way the judges treat her is part of the problem people have,” one viewer said. Another speculated before the finale: “They’ve given her more screen time than the others, probably ‘cos she’ll end up the winner.”
From Runner-Up to Champion
Having finished second in two previous seasons, Sharrad’s victory marks a personal milestone. In a year where most returning contestants were already professionals, she stayed consistent under pressure and outlasted risk-takers who favoured creativity over security.
Whether seen as a deserving champion or a beneficiary of editing and perception, Sharrad now joins the list of MasterChef Australia winners — and one of its most talked-about finalists.
SOURCE: Refinery29
Thank you Poh for defending it. Your words really make a difference in shutting down unfair criticism.
Elce Long not
Elce Long
It’s not unfair criticism at all it’s a fact that it was a one sided,Grand Final.
Shirley Hawthorne yes of cause as fare as you say I think it is bull shit they know what is right or wrong yet you people think you know more then the judges
Shirley Hawthorne so true
Elce Long well after watching it again on record most comments have merit. Anything Laura presented was just oh this is so good. No negatives. So we must think get cooking is perfect. But when Callum’s food was tasted they went through every layer and found faults. It started to get a bit suss.
Trish Cumming well it is only you people that see that there are people think she did do a great job Callum did a good job as well but the judges found things that was not right so they would know then you and me but it is great Laura has won and Callum was happy for her unlike you
Catharine Engstrom never said wasn’t happy. Great job and perfect we will.nebet know as they never dissected her cooking.
No because you people do it for them you all think you know more then them i would like to see all of you go on and do what they all do and be a judge then see if you are as smart as they are have a go
Catharine Engstrom Get off the smoke.
Trish Cumming ha ha ha
Elce Long thank you Poh iwas so happy for Laura that she won they need some 1 to stop all the trouble things they have been saying about Laura and the judges I think you all do a great job
Catharine Engstrom To stop the negativity, no favouritism and corruption would be a good start! And to not allow contestants ,who have an affiliation with not only two of the judges but Channel 10 as well , to compete would be another step in the right direction!!
Christine Whitelaw well there are so many people that have been going on about this favouritism that is bull shit all the judges said the same thing about Laura’s dish so you go on about JC how great he is and he said how great Laura’s dish was so out of 4 they all said the same
Catharine Engstrom If you couldn’t see the favouritism this season then I think you should go to SpecSavers! Read back on comments throughout this season and the majority of viewers had it picked from the first couple of episodes that Laura was being favoured over the other contestants! And I don’t think JC was allowed to say too much this season – most of the commentary was dominated by Andy and Poh!
Christine Whitelaw so true
Well that is bull shit he could say what ever he wanted to you all just dont like Andy and Poh and it is about Laura I have watched every episodes every year I dont really care I won’t go into this specsavers not only that I would not know how to get into it any way but I dont believe there was any favouritism any way
Elce Long rubbish
Elce Long what show was you watching it was plan from the start who was going to win Poh can say what she likes she new who the winner was such good actress 😡
Sandie Saunders i agree with you yes the judges pick their favorite from the beginning of the show their were must be better cooks on the show than Laura but they didn’t get a chance when Laura cook against other cooks the judges always picked Laura dish so from the start of the show judges pick Laura to win,🫣🫣
Elce Long is that you Laura?🤔
Elce Long Except it is not unfair. It was right up there for all to see.
Why mention Callum’s mistakes but not Laura’s.MasterChef title should’ve been Callum.
Shirley Hawthorne I noticed the time taken mentioning Callums but not a single word about any mistakes that Laura probably made. Really not surprised as many of us were damn sure who the judges wanted to win…and as for the male judge mentioning how proud Jock would be was in my mind very bad taste!!
Paula Lockett
How can you give Laura a couple of 10s when she made mistakes,wrong person won,even before cooking ended Andy commmented on Laura’s pastry balls were small and dense and her chocolate was too thick. Judges shouldn’t have favourites.I agree with you about Jock.
Po needs to be quiet it was set up
Viv Stenner defiantly 100%
Denise Dunford So are all othere reality tv shows.
Lee Hayhurst yes true but this one seem to hit a nerve. 😢
Viv Stenner it sure was a set up from the beginning from poh and Andy Allen and she knew hope that those two judges don’t come back a fashion show and see how much you can eat
This is a second year in a row I felt that the show was fixed. They constantly showed Laura on screen and you could tell that she was their favorite. Yes her cooking was good, but I swear they didn’t like her finale food as much as Callum’s, yet they gave her higher marks so it definitely looked fixed. The year before the girl who’s final Dish One was criticized because her food was the wrong consistency and gloopy and the only reason the guy lost is because he didn’t get that cotton candy Cloud type thing fixed but the rest of the dish was perfect. So really angered me that the two losers had better compliments than the two winners in the past two years.
Let’s just ignore these jealous disgusting people. They are jealous and don’t have lives. As Australians we support our fellow aussies not be mean
OMG I am so disappointed dear Poh , I actually liked her before , I didn’t really wanted to believe that she could have biased ( like Andy ) but « hitting back » with an argument that people had all those negative comments about Laura because they dont like a confident woman ??? Really ???
Yes Laura isn’t humble , well, there is that …
But half way in the competition she started playing safe and strategic, pasta dishes and the same ice cream dessert in slightly different colours and flavours while Callum ingenious , inventive , risk taker approach won over the public . So there is that…
Nothing to do with sexism . Please don’t mix everything
Francois Homberger very true
Francois Homberger totally agree.
Francois Homberger she lost me when she started saying she really really really wanted to get into the finals ,
didn’t she stop to think the other contestants also wanting to get there to the finals without begging judges to make it happen
Gwen Manson everyone said that at one point or another
Well said, masterchef has delivered the most disappointing season ever.
Francois Homberger 👏👏👏👏
Totally agree. I’m sure she is a very good cook but Callum has showed such finesse. His first dish last night was so much better that Laura’s which, let’s face it, was potato in broth, while Callum’s was so inventive. What did the judges say? Oh yes, she cut the potatos perfectly. Wow. Seriously – for a final?
I think what people don’t like about Laura is she is such a show-off, but when something goes wrong she has a melt-down and everyone has to flock to her and comfort her. She always has to be the centre of attention. There were certainly other female contenders who I like watching a *lot* more.
Francois Homberger to many crocodile tears good chefs are suppose to handle difficult situations she restored to tears to get the sympathy vote !!
Dianne Calvert exactly , being a chef is a highly stressful environment you have to be able to deal with people, situations and yourself , nobody will pick her up 🙄
Agree, /she behaved like a spoiled brat about her icy icecream, and I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if that whole episode was set up because of people beginning to see through the charade and commenting about it. I found Laura and Poh and Andy’s whole playing the Jock line very distasteful.
Of course Poh is going to defend LaurAndy!
When I saw Callum
get first 7 I switched off. no mention of Laura’s mistakes.
Judy Larkin me too
Judy Larkin so did I
Yeah poo u Andy not interested in u both favouring 1 person 2 win 4 me cullums the winner not her
It was all rigged for lauraaa to win it Andy made that she would win it is darling little pet
Congratulations 💕💕💕 let the girl enjoy her victory none of u could do what she did well done to all the three finalists 👏👏👏
Mary Muscolo that’s a victory🙄
Mary Muscolo Couldn’t agree more, well said! 👏
Mary Muscolo you’re right & there’s no way I could’ve recreated that dessert, it looked so complicated 😱 Both Laura & Callum made errors when preparing this dessert but they seemed to concentrate more on Callum’s errors than Laura’s in round two. At the end of the day, though, the chef who created that dessert said that Laura recreated it the best so kudos to her 👏🙂 I’m not sure about the scores in round 1 because Callum’s dish looked more technical & artistic and all 4 judges said it tasted amazing 🤔
I was so happy Laura won who cares what people think say nothing’s going to change she won people go girl
You and Andy are a disgrace, you know it and so does everyone. Just read all the comments on MC page.
Why don’t you mention Laura’s mistakes!!!
Trudy Lundy I bet they did – probably editing
Yes well I do think it was a forgone conclusion that Laura was the favourite.I got to the stage that I really was completely over the program,but made myself hangout to the end.I just found that Andy got to be such a pain in the A__ He just couldn’t keep his mouth shut what an ego.I hope he isn’t on it next time.John Christoff was amazing,and so mush more experienced and quiffied then the other judges.He could run rings round Andy but he is so humble.
I seriously doubt that Laura Sharrad would have come back if not guaranteed a win….three times runner-up? Embarrassing for her. Definitely set up to be the Winner…shame for Callum as his cooks were brilliant.
Never watch masterchef again, it was bias and everyone knew laura would win….cry and the judges notice!!!!
I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed such bullying, rage and vitriol as I’ve seen from so many faceless people who have attacked Laura ruthlessly. What a sad and frightening world we live in where people think it’s OK to do this. You need to all take a good hard look at yourselves because karma will return to you what you give. I’ve loved this season of MasterChef Australia and have nothing but praise for all involved. Congratulations Laura on your well deserved win. 👏
Lucy Harry Well said.💯🤗
Lucy Harry thank you iam so happy there are others that think it is ruthlessly as I feel so sad that there are people in this world that can do that and I love masterchef Australia
Lucy Harry People are expressing disgust at the very obvious biased judging throughout the series.
Ferns Wood nothing obvious about it at all. It’s about the food. Viewers can’t taste it.
Lucy Harry The problem being it wasn’t about the quality of the cooks this season. It was that many many viewers saw bias and favouritism in the judging. It is rather hard to say otherwise in the face of viewers from all walks and all places all seeing and so stating the same thing . So, yes, unfortunately it was incredibly obvious — so much so it was predictable. The production team need sorting. They have lost the plot as it really should be about the best all round cook. That would be taste , presentation, originality plus being able to reate across several situations. Really need to get back to that.
Lucy Harry To repeat. People are expressing their disgust at the bias. You want to watch a fair level playing field and an even handed judging. That is what did not happen. So that is what many are complaining about. Had it been fair and on merit ,then viewers would not have written as they have. Btw – I don’t agree with uncomplimentary personal comments being made. The comments regarding the cooks is fair .
Of course aunty poh and uncle Andy are upset there little baby is getting picked on
She knew she was going to win, her smug smirk made me see red. Better cooks were on the show.
Leanne Lang well I hope you don’t watch it any more as it was five judges that give it to Laura and Callum he was so very happy for Laura because that is kind of person he is and they are very good friends
Everyone is entitled to a point of view but I personally think it’s sad to attack anyone who is doing their best because you don’t like them or you like someone else better. I think Laura was amazing and didn’t do pasta all the time as the haters keep saying. Callum cooked some amazing food at times too but for me he has zero personality. I also find it hard to believe that it was rigged as two of the judges are previous competitors and surely would question what happened in their competitions if it was rigged.
Alix Stewart it is not a case of liking and Laura is good. It is simply a case of having a level playing field which it never was. Sara, depinda, Audra are all better but the ‘poor Laura’ must win always came into play. They seemed to feel that by having Laura win it was honouring Jocks memory. So wrong they are as he would have demanded fairness for all.
Lesley Holland I watched the exact same show and didn’t get that feeling at all yes they cried about Jock but I still don’t believe that past contestants that are now judges would be part of a rigged competition. but everyone’s entitled to their opinion, I just think people need to remember Laura is a person too, and wether you like her or not she’s every bit as brilliant as the other cooks you mentioned and she doesn’t deserve the actual hate that’s being thrown at her. If people really think it was rigged they should be mad at the judges and Chanel 10.
Alix Stewart actually most people are. As I have said many times the judges and channel 10 have not done Laura any favours. They have in fact sullied her reputation.
Alix Stewart unfortunately you are living in fairy land. Not a case of not liking Laura at all. It is just that everyone likes a fair result. In no waybwas this ever going to be fair. If it had she would have been eliminated before Doha. Callum is a lovely gentleman and took every setback graciously. Why did he never get business class to and from Doha? Other example but too many to write.
I really do wonder, that apart from $40k and the general public support, what has he got out of it?
Alix Stewart would they!! They get bloody good money and all the extras !! why would they question it 😕
The first cook Callum should have won by a mile giving him a strong advantage,but of course that’s not going to happen 😔
Total agree….Callum is a better cook hands down.
Leanne Lang by far
Leanne Lang totally right
Don’t care what poh said Every one could see the favouritism from the start , it was rigged
Congratulations Laura. X
Congratulations Laura 🥂
Don’t agree
Not fear.
Grow up she deserved to win
It was blatantly obvious Laura was the chosen one from the start,
The competition was written for Laura to win.
Callum was the better cook – Michelin star worthy! And the better person, so humble yet so incredibly gifted!🌟
After watching every single season and every single episode I will never ever watch MasterChef Australia again – it is a complete farce & shambles – gifting a win “for Jock” for a “female in a chefs kitchen” for a “third time lucky” for friggin “potato risotto”..: the list is embarrassing and endless! 🤦♀️
Kait Mac hell yes! I couldn’t agree more. A complete set-up cause miss sook had to cry every episode explaining how she missed the last two GF. Calum easily won the first round, but these channel 10 clowns had to make it close enough so sooky could win.
I wonder why channel 10 has gone down the drain…..
Good bye 10, pathetic as you are, us viewers have gone…….
Kait Mac very well said. Totally agree.
Kait Mac yes it was blatant and Poh should be fired from Masterchef for playing favourites along with Andy and Sofia
Kait Mac so totally agree with you
Kait Mac I agree 💯percent it’s all because of Andy and Poh the nasty ones I hate them for what they did I don’t want to see them with my eyes
Picked it at start of show. Feminism and ch 10 wokeness combined. What did u expect?
Wayne Lewin what a knob response
Andy made sure she was too win from the start got all the camera time never could do no wrong only cooked pasta or ice cream and still won!!!!
Paul Newton Did you even see this series? She has progressed.
Catherine Joy and Callum didn’t ? He was by far the best of the 2.
Jo-anne Hughes-anderson The entire top ten were incredible every time they cooked!
Catherine Joy she’s a professional cook and what she cooked wasn’t all that professional to me. She played safe throughout the whole season.
Catherine Joy I haven’t seen any progression in her. Nothing new at all.
Shirley Mulhern she did use ant’s twice. 🤣🤣
Paul Newton camera time, is controlled by the producers, not Laura, Andy or any other person
Kerrie Richards it is agreed when the show is rigged.
Shirley Mulhern have you concrete proof, that the show was rigged. If so please tell all. Detail by detail, please
Paul Newton with ants black, green whatever she could find 🙄
Leanne Lolang she only used ants after Depinder used them first
David Crane yes but how many times did she use them Depinder had to use them they were the judges choice for her
She boiled a potato and won 🤣
Amanda Brown potato rice never heard of it in squares rice is for risotto and other things .. not eventive at all and all the bloody ants
Amanda Brown any one can boil potatoes but she got away with it Callum,s was the best
Amanda Brown she could have stayed home or burnt toast and won 🤯
Caron Mather Pharoah unfortunately you are right.
Amanda Brown oh come on the main challenge was to reinterpret Mikos garden and she did that better than Callum , thats all there is to it 🙄🙄
Marley Te Ruinga Savage Laura’s garden had mistakes as did Callum’s. Andy even commented on Laura’s pastry rolls being too small & dense & her chocolate Aloe Vera was way too thick but when scoring they didn’t mention her mistakes but they certainly did with Callum. I have nothing against Laura I just don’t think the judging has been fair this season. They had their favourite & we all knew who was going to win.
Kathy Gallagher absolutely correct hence Callum got robbed
Kathy Gallagher what would you know , sitting on your couch hating on a contestant like to see you put yourself out there,you didnt have to continue to watch it if thats how you felt so many nasties on this page , you cant change the fact that Laura won so move on , pick on someone your own age and take your ugly angry face with you !!
Kathy Gallagher all i can do is roll my eyes at you 🙄🙄🙄🙄 who is biased now , how is it Laura’s fault that everyone on here think the judges favored her. The comments are digusting , and from what I saw from here in NZ no one was favored they all made mistakes they all got things wrong and they all got the same air time , I have no reason to favour any of them , but some of you should be ashamed !!!
Amanda Brown shows how much you know about cooking let’s see you enter a competition and do better. Such nasty comments from people who think they know all about cooking just because they think theirs preferences.🤔 she earned the title because she’s a good cook let’s see you try cook like she did🤔
Angela Debono that’s the difference: Laura’s a cook whilst Callum is a chef.
Amanda Brown have you ever been on master chef
Amanda Brown yep
Cause both you andy were her friends
If the shoe fits wear it ..
Why go and talk to contestants to put them off and tell them what they should be doing they know exactly what they are doing
Ronda Sweet that has been done forever on the show.
Personally I don’t agree with the talking, while they are cooking.
But I’m certain, the producers, demand it
Callum’s oyster shell first course should have got all 10s
Cheryl Buckler 💯 % he even painted them.to look like shells and she boiled pototoe squares ⬛️
Cheryl that oyster shell looked amazing ! I would love to have tasted it.
Cheryl Buckler I agree. I have never seen anything so clever.
Cheryl Buckler totally agreed and her potato shouldn’t have scored so high. Callum is the winner 🏆 pity judges had other plans
People who have never tasted the food have been horrifically unkind to Laura online. She was the best cook on the day.
Catherine Joy she diced potato’s the meal looked awful I wouldn’t have ordered it from a cafe it was ordinary so taste maybe but appearance minus 6
Catherine Joy ur wrong Callum’s was the best in looks and by the judges faces in taste as well but it was rigged
It had been the same dishes every season she is on. She will talk bout Jock. And then cry over everything.
I would come home just as they are dishing up on Masterchef and my partner will ask me to guess who cooked the dishes and I ALWAYS guess hers right cause it’s almost always some sort of pasta.
I love Poh and I am a fan of hers but it’s not about confident females. I wanted Sarah to win, she’s so confident and takes risks and tries new techniques / ingredients / dishes.
Laura is to me, just pasta Laura. not saying pasta isn’t impressive or a deserving dish to win with but it’s literally a 1 trick pony.
Watch any episode of her in any of the seasons she is in and you can seamlessly go from one to another cause it’s all the same dishes. And if the judging process was fair then this “hate” for her isn’t new, and surely they can edit it to show her talents (if any) better?
Still congrats on your win Laura. deserving or not.
It is an incontrovertible disgrace that Laura has been character assassinated by online trolls. As have some of the judges. On the night each and every contestant battles themselves with nerves, doubts and being under scrutiny whilst cooking. At the grand final it is no different. Undoubtedly Callum is a brilliant cook but – on the night – mistakes are made and these small mistakes led to one dish being adjudged better than the other. I, like the rest of, had a favourite but I wasn’t tasting the food nor was I judging the food. These judges are selected because of their individual skills and are highly respected amongst their peers. I congratulate Laura on her win and I congratulate Callum.
I myself realy think Laura was the judges predicted winner. I always admired and loved the Australian masterchef program. I will definitely not watch any future season unless the judges are changed. I watched all the Masterchef seasons up to date, I picked up even earlier in the season she was favoured by especially Andy. Please understand that viewers are not blind or do not know food
Me n my family always discussed how Andy n Poh favoured Laura right from the start of the show! She always won immunity in the weekly challenges for her run of the mill dishes n was only once in elimination when she had a meltdown n all the other contestants rushed to console her!!! Apart from pasta n using green ants she didn’t create any magic!!!
I hate poh and andy
I mean I love Calum, and really wanted him to win, but there is no getting away from the fact that Lsura was the best on the day.
Lynette Foote but was she?
She had issues with the profiteroles….they were dense with no air. There is no way she could get enough filling in them to balance it out….yet they all raved about it.
Also the challenge set was much more to Laura’s strengths, not Callum’s
It was set from day one, everyone knew it
Nah cullum should of won the rest of the contestants would agree with me shame on u three judges hope u three are out judges next time
Come on Poh
It was favouritism from the start
She could have burnt toast and still would have won. Poh defending her because they are friends. I don’t dislike Laura, I dislike the very unfair judging.
The Masterchef finalists were the best in this series Laura making pasta dishes nearly every episode. Callum made inventive dishes which were more popular because this is Masterchef be a chef not a cook. You could see Laura was going to win because they scored Callum first in the second round. How could the judges score 10 for the mistakes the pebbles took small the filling not consistently with the master dish and the chocolate trig too thick. They did not talk with Laura at all only Callum which means they favour Laura to win.
Of cousre Poh would protect her cub Laura is her baby cause it shows….Poh & Andy need the boot 🤬🤬
April Burton Andy certainly does.
I know right! Sooky crying the whole time! If you cant handle the heat, get out of the kitchen! That’s why she could never be a chef! Callum should have won!
Poh needs to vacate the building asap . Can’t stand her
Hayze Harapeet Poh must go 😬
I really love u Poh, but your judging comments for Laura are beyond biased
She IS NOT a deserving winner. This whole season has been rigged!
Laura was the best all season and deserved to win hands down
Jennifer Reed yes I agree I am sick of this bullying comments I have been reading. She killed it in the semi final and she killed it in the final especially in the pressure test. This was Callum’s to win and unfortunately he lost it in the pressure test he was too slow and he did not realise it until it was pointed out to him even the returning contestants could see it. People need to show Laura some grace and respect she is only 24 years old and a young mum she did so well.
Michelle Heynen so because of her age, and just had a baby, she should get favouritism? She had no problems walking away from that baby because of her own ego. It was a cooking show, not a let’s give Laura sympathy show.
Callum didn’t think he was that slow, and the reality is, was he that slow? Andy used that to intimidate him. Nothing to do with the other contestants. It was Andy that said it but was it true? The other reality is that Laura was scored ridiculously high for boiled potatoes. The judges had to do that to make sure her win could be manipulated. If they had been judged fairly, Callum would have won.
You’re sick of seeing the truth but most people are sick of hearing the excuses for Laura, who would have known she was set up as the winner.
Nothing to be proud of.
Shirley Mulhern I did NOT say that and I do NOT think she did Im saying she was brave for coming back you are just a pathetic old bag and IN DONE
Shirley Mulhern 👏👏
Jennifer Reed with the horrible unfair judges up your arse u r handed the win on a plate and that Andy go on and on and on about the fu potatoes 🥔 he is so into her it’s not funny she go the trophy but we all no she was handed it not worked for it big difference just look at MKR judges thay r judges not like the clowns that judge the final
Jennifer Reed not sure what you were watching but she should have gone a long time ago.
Jennifer Reed Laura is good cook but must say t throughout the show she was saved by the judges . So obvious
Jennifer Reed thanks Poh
Jennifer Reed there was one episode just back from the finale where she admitted her cake was under cooked and they still praised her anyone else who put up under cooked they were sent home so why wasn’t Laura
Jennifer Reed ya think i highly dout it. She didn’t get judged on putting her spoon back in the pot after taste test. Her cake wasn’t cooked well there was more and I think if u read all the comments Callum was the real winner🏆 it was just rigged for the pasta chef and boiled potato and ant’s Laura to win. Callum clearly made amazing foods in his presentation and taste they were gobbed smaked with a lot of his food. Laura just cried too much the crock tears. Let’s not forget the pips that the judges said could have broken a tooth and ofcourse that wasn’t in an elimination round she should have been gone a long time ago
How can you compare potatoes which Laura made compared to those homemade oyster shells that Callum made, and for them to receive the same score. They both had faults in the last cook but Laura’s weren’t mentioned. I’m convinced the whole show was a set up for Laura to win, regardless of what Poh said.
It’s not long started here in the UK and we could tell Laura was set up to win it, obviously from the beginning. If people are interested, every media production is based around the Wizard of Oz and Laura made a comment about ‘causing chaos’…that’s Dorothy’s role in the production…causing chaos, that comment ALONE made me finally realise, she was going to win it, as the main character is either Dorothy OR the Wizard. All of them are actors as well, none of them are ‘regular people’, but they make you think that so it makes the viewer beLIEve that anyone can win it, not the rigged actors they get in. But hey, ALL the shows are rigged, from the very first episode…Julie GOOD WIN…get it???
Never watch again, so much favouritsm from Andy and poh, look how many comments on every site about favouritsm, all judges should be sacked except JC. so unprofessional to vote for a friend to win and not who was the best cook. The majority of the country voted for Callum but Andy decided on Laura, end of story, never watch again
Poh wouldn’t know, she follows what Andy says and he said from the start that Laura must win. So rigged
Karen Siddins Poh does have a mind of her own
She won because of jock. Always playing on it.
I think this season had its highs and lows. The cooking was great. There were definitely favourites. I think there should have been more blind tastings. There seemed to be personalities that were favoured instead of food. Congratulations to both finalists as I believe Callum one the first round and Laura won the second round. I think there should be a blind tasting for 3rd round.
Annemarie Thorp 👍
Annemarie Thorp Yes bring in blind tasting and keep the judges out of the contestants kitchens. I realize the last cook needs to be hard but that was ridiculous
Divided makes it sound 50 / 50. It was a lot more % wise than those odds that thought Callum should of won
Yea I agree why did she win over that
Callum was more creative the whole competition
Laura was very lucky, she made quite a few errors but made them during non-elimination rounds. Some of the team challengers were lost because of her.
Angela King they also said her chocolate was way too thick on her aloe vera fronds. Go figure
She won even before the first cook even started
Unfair my arse truly, If she had won fair and square there wouldn’t be such a reaction.
Wow tall poppy syndrome alive and well casted upon Judges & Contestants…. Couch warriors with a weekly repertoire of dull dishes on their tables for their bland families to absorb…. I guarantee not one of you has worked a day in your life In the pressure of a real kitchen or front of house in hospitality where you get to witness the entitlements & banal comments of those that come to engorge themselves..
Laura only started using ants after Depinder used them first but to win the show on cooked potatoes what a joke
David Crane she didn’t win it on cooked potatoes🤔😏 she was even with that cook. It was the cake challenge that done it.
Angela was that the bits of cake because the rest wasn’t cooked?
To make it really fair, there should be blind tasting so the judges judge the food and not the contestant.
Laura wasn’t my favourite but she deserved the win. People think if THEIR favourite doesn’t win, it must be “rigged”.
Sophie Kanofski Nopes. I prefer a fair contest . No favourites really. This series the bias was unbelievably evident from the outset. That is the issue.
Poh can defend all she likes but the obvious bias towards Laura was so obvious it was embarrassing. If I was Laura whilst she can pocket the money and trophy I would not enjoy it as much as if she had won it solely without the blatant help of the judges. You will always get disagreement on results, but when around 90% of people all state the same thing it can’t be far off the mark. Naturally Poh has to defend but blind to the facts and this has not endeared either herself and particularly Andy to anyone.
The judges are amateur cooks. Where are the real chefs. One Frenchman. One not even a cook yet they get to ruin lives.
Time Masterchef ended. It’s been rigged for years, always plays favouritism to certain contestants. It’s just boring now
Andy and Poh need to go
.JP best judge he know Callum should of won…
U r a cheat Poh
She hardly relied on pasta, only cooked it 6 or 7 times over the whole series
The judges spoiled this whole show. Need more credible judges
The judging all the way through was questionable. And as it ended it became quite obvious. Thank you Poh Ling Yeow.
Rather convenient she had soggy uncooked cake and wasn’t eliminated.. pips from olive that could have broken teeth but not not eliminated.. doubt the other contestants would have got away with that.. she should never have made the semi final with mistakes like that.
Jenny Andrews 100% agree with u
Yeah and Poh is the best cook and judge to be saying that.
Laura, the ‘master’ of the kitchen! Congratulations on your MasterChef Australia win! 🎊
Poh needs to take this up with those who edit the show not the people saying she shouldn’t have won, she was favoured over the other contestants, no mention of the winner working on another cooking show for the network- conflict of interest?
Callum was robbed plain and simple👍🏻🌸
Wow she can now boil potatoes as well as cook pasta
Barry Hall don’t forget the ants
I call bs Poh you wanted your friend to win and she played the jock card
Hit back as much as u like it was favouritism all over
Can’t cry, then you can’t win.
Awful !!! Winner ! Callum the best ! Why did you do this awful winner !
Poh And Andy nee d to go, it was a set up from the beginning. And you both fell for the crying apart from being friends. Callum won on the day.
This program needs to be fukd off it’s the same old bullshit
If you want to blame anyone Poh blame yourself and Andy for the favouritism you showed towards Laura the entire series. 😡
So many forums are blocking negative comments about Laura … and I’m not talking abusive comments – just comments that reflect an opinion that Laura was always going to be the winner and it was a bias competition!
Most of these TV/News outlets don’t like it when they are being called out and block or delete comments- it’s ridiculous!
Ps: It was rigged and we know it… Callum was an inventive & ingenious cook & a darn decent guy!
It’s not unfair it’s completely warranted
This was rigged from the get go..3 of these judges should be ashamed of themselves..JC the only Chef and very fair with comments so hope he comes back.
Poh made a target for herself being showing so much favouritism for Laura, now she’s having another whine, she’s not a good judge, very poor judge let alone honest person
No wonder she’s smirking, clear roads to the win made for her
congratulations Laura Sharrad 😍
I’m just a casual viewer each year, but when I did watch, she was taking dishes to the judges expressing concerns for errors. Her dishes lacked that extra bit of creativity that Callum and Jamie were presenting. I think it was bad form to have judges that knew her personally. And right before the grand final she’s shown as a presenter on another cooking show! In a grand final they should both be cooking the same dishes, and the judges should do a blind tasting.
I have been a follower of Masterchef and watched every season. Love the judges, but of course Laura being trained by the late Jock had an advantage over Callum, blind Freddy could see they did it to honour Jocks legacy. Laura by no doubt is a great cook but nowhere near to Callum’s calibre, Michelin chef all the way, strategic and inventive his mind, hes a genius. The final being a pressure test in favour of Laura cos everyone knows she’s more of a desert queen than callum.
What made me upset was when painful boy blue went up to to Callum and probably worried him sick was the time he had left, he went on and on that’s when I feel all whent wrong for Cal. Any way I agree with all the comments about obvious favoritsm. Especially Moe bad judging even I can cook potatoes compared to what calum got for his delicious dish. CALIUM you should have won
Yes it’s a shame there is only one winner but on the day Laura you Nailed it well done and congratulations 👍
how doe,s poh be able to tell laura love you inbetween cooks
Andy is such a negative prick !!!
Dianne Calvert l think Andy is envious of Callum’s talent Callam would out cook Andy anyday
Julianne Anderson totally agree 👍
Her and her “native ingedients”… native lemons, native parsley etc… Callus was robbed… his oyster in the final was genius
Definitely production issues – I agree with your comments Blackbox. It’s a reality TV first and foremost and is produced for ratings. Drama, tension creates ratings. However conversely I agree and admire Poh greatly. If it’s a production/editing thing this myst change. The contestants shouldn’t be victimised it ruins people. Look at MAFS etc
She might have won, but I know which one I would employ.
Penelope Fox yes can’t have a chef breaking down and crying when things don’t go as planned, like callum use plan B
Nah Andy Pooh and Sophia they all need not 2 be judges any more questions did Sophia ever win Master chef
Oh dear Poh. Have a look at your actions as judges. It’s the favouritism you showed her that turned MC fans off Laura. There’s no doubt she is a strong woman and a good chef, but to see how she was favoured from the outset was so blatant. Some fabulous cooks were hardly even showcased on this season because the spotlight was always on Laura. If this program is to succeed judges whoever they are, must blind taste in future to prevent their favourites getting such an easy ride again.
Ingrid Harrison blind tasting won’t work. The judges walk around to see how cooks are going with their menu/time etc:
Tina Oliver I’m fully aware of that but the current judging system also doesn’t work as was evident this year with favouritism towards the winner compared to how tough they were on other contestants. Sometimes it was even in their body language. Both Poh and Sofia would often show it in their face. Ben was one of those who had a tough run and whose cooks were hardly showcased throughout the season until he reached the finals. If they don’t know whose was the end dish there would be far less opportunity for bias.
Ingrid Harrison so how would you suggest the judges don’t know whose dishes – contestants bring their dishes up to the judges therefore it still not a blind test.
I guess there are a couple of ways to run the show a little differently but probably wouldn’t be as interesting and producers/channel would not be happy.
Tina Oliver They could appoint perhaps two celeb types to run the show/be the MCs, and have a panel of chefs to do the judging. Doubt this will happen and frankly, doubt whether the program has a long life span considering this year’s appalling ratings.
Ingrid Harrison you may well be right.
It depends on who the judges will be next season as to whether I watch it.
Poh and Andy are part of the problem worst judges. The favourtisim and bias this year was unbelievable and unacceptable. Those judges need to go. Boycott MasterChef.
She knew it was unfair and yet continued cheating from top 10 and finale round 1
I feel for the other contestants they didn’t have a chance . Cant wait for MKR and get real Judges.
Would give heaps to see Andy try and make that last desert no hope
These fans need to shut the hell up and let Laura enjoy her win instead of giving backlash and the unfairness
On the night Laura was clearly the winner. Both amazing but Callum sadly lagged behind and took shortcuts with the pressure test. First course was clearly equal. Well done both of you. – exceptional talent.
Poh can hit back all she likes. Her and Andy’s bias was far too obvious from the outset. Laura was middling at best more often than not. Had she not been it might just have been forgivable. Both judges should step down. Just dreadful.
Here’s the thing Poh…yes we can’t taste the dishes. But we can see what is being made.
One contestant set out to create an edible oyster. The other set out to create a risotto made out of potatoes
One contestant created an edible oyster: the other DID NOT create a potato risotto.
The point of potato risotto is to bring the starch from the potato to simulate the texture. They are supposed to be as small as the grain of rice they are replacing She didn’t do that. She showed no skill in the dicing of the potato. No skill in the cooking of them. And yet was scored as highly as someone who used actual technique and skill to create something truly memorable-the oyster
You then decided the winner on a game of “who can follow a recipe better” that final challenge was tailored to Laura so that she could win
So when you say it wasn’t rigged. No one believes you
You would expect nothing less from one of the judges that clearly had the winner as favourite from day one. Poh and Andy were so predictable and should be sacked from the show if it is to have any credibility
I now hate the show master Chef need to get it out off our TV channel.its not a fair judgement.
Hated it from the beginning, anyone who has been a MC fan could see this was a stitch up Cullen was simply amazing but the judges stuck to Laura. It was actually embarrassing to watch, particularly Andy, so sad. Not sure I will watch again.
Been watching since conception, and so disappointed with this 😢
The page for sooky la la people who probably can’t even make scrambled eggs with out burning them 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Get of pho
Shame on you three Andy,Poh and Sofia. I’ll never watch MasterChef again. Callum is the true honest winner.
Poh get off your high horse!!! You and your partner in crime yes Andy should be ashamed of yourselves. Do us all a favor and leave MasterChef, and take your mate with you. 🤦
As I have said before it should be blind testing for the last 8 onwards or at least the quarters onwards. Judges should not know who is cooking what . No access to the contestants and that means not watching them on a screen. Then you would have q fair judging.
Sick of seeing this girl which the show was rigged
Po has no idea it was set up from start for miss smirkness to win I was hoping sarah would win buy new that wasn’t going to happen sarah will get her star but I’m dam sure Laura won’t or po or Andy and don’t get me started bout sohia ppfff pack of cheats favouring laura
the program has become too incestuous