Penny Lancaster faced disappointment on Friday night as she fell short of advancing to the semi-finals of Celebrity MasterChef. Her butternut squash ravioli was served 15 minutes past the deadline, costing her a spot in the next round.
Although her dish received favorable feedback from past Celebrity MasterChef stars—2011 champion Phil Vickery, 2008 finalist Andi Peters, and 2009 Christmas champion Craig Revel-Horwood—it wasn’t quite enough to secure her a place in the semi-final.
Judge Greg Wallace highlighted the importance of time management, labeling her delay as a ‘serious’ issue, while Penny anxiously awaited the judges’ decision.
‘Everything piled on top of me’: Emotional Penny Lancaster was sent home from MasterChef on Friday after dishing up late
Reflecting on her emotions, Penny confessed, “Everything piled on top of me. I just hope the wait was worth it,” expressing her heartfelt reaction to the situation.
During the preparation of her starter, Penny shared that her dish choice was inspired by a cherished dining experience she had with her husband, rock icon Rod Stewart. She prepared braised endives with orange juice, walnuts, and feta cheese.
“There’s a really romantic restaurant in Los Angeles that my husband and I frequent. This was a starter we both chose and have loved ever since,” she revealed.
Tough work: Despite getting mostly positive reviews from three Celebrity MasterChef legends, Phil Vickery, Andi Peters and Craig Revel-Horwood, it wasn’t enough
Semi-finalist: Penny’s best efforts just didn’t suffice, however, with her fellow quarter-finalists, Megan McKenna (left) and presenter Melanie Sykes (right) taking the semi-final spots
Uh oh: The wife of Rod Stewart found herself behind schedule as she prepared her ravioli dish
Being honest: Judge Greg Wallace called Penny’s lack of timekeeping ‘serious’, whilst she sat nervously awaiting their feedback
Influenced decisions: The wife of rock legend Rod Stewart revealed during her starter prep the choice to whip up braised endives with orange juice, was inspired by a night of good food
Penny’s best efforts just didn’t suffice, however, with her fellow quarter-finalists, television personality Megan McKenna and presenter Melanie Sykes taking the semi-final places.
Megan prepared beef wellington, with Melanie rustling up a pancetta and chickpea salad in the hope of impressing the star-studded panel.
Prior to finding out she wasn’t through to the anticipated semi-final, Penny disclosed that she would feel ‘quite deflated’ if she went home because ‘she was loving this.’
Nervous wait: Greg, along with co judge John Torode, announced the results to the hopeful trio, and emotions ran high
Greg, along with co-judge John Torode, announced the results to the hopeful trio, and emotions ran high.
Megan was the first to be told she was through, with Melanie then snatching the final place.
Post-results, a choked Penny said: ‘It would’ve been incredible to get through to the semi finals but it wasn’t meant to be. Absolutely no regrets whatsoever. I’ve always loved to eat food, never loved to cook – and now I love both.’
Masterchef continues on Monday at 9pm on BBC1.
Gutted: Post-results, a choked Penny said: ‘It would’ve been incredible to get through to the semi finals but it wasn’t meant to be. Absolutely no regrets whatsoever. I’ve always loved to eat food, never loved to cook – and now I love both’
