In a dramatic Sunday night semi-final that left viewers on the edge of their seats, the controversial team of Maria and Bailey secured the last available spot in the My Kitchen Rules grand final, sending emotional Queenslanders Lol and Lil home from the competition.
Kitchen Showdown Decides Finalists
The two teams faced an intense kitchen battle that judges described as incredibly close, with both pairs delivering impressive dishes that made the decision particularly difficult. Ultimately, Maria and Bailey's strategic choice to perfect simple, flavour-packed dishes earned them victory over their opponents.
The South Australian duo now prepares to take on NSW fathers Justin and Will in what promises to be an epic cook-off for the championship title and the life-changing $100,000 prize money.
Reflecting on their MKR journey before the semi-final, Lol and Lil admitted to feeling nervous about competing against Maria and Bailey. "They have produced some strong dishes in the competition," Lol confessed to 7NEWS.com.au. "It was daunting, especially because they know fine dining and their plating is amazing."
Dish by Dish: The Semi-Final Battle
Determined to prove their versatility beyond chicken dishes, the Logan-based pair focused on showcasing different techniques they had perfected during practice sessions. "We practised a lot in the downtime," Lol revealed about their preparation strategy.
While Lol and Lil's main course of sous vide lobster received praise for its flavour profile, Maria and Bailey gained an early advantage with their truffle and porcini tagliatelle accompanied by wild mushroom sauce. Judge Colin described the pasta dish as "one of the best mains you've cooked for me" and noted it was "full of flavour, heart and personality."
For dessert, Lol and Lil impressed with an ambitious double dessert featuring berry panna cotta and vanilla crème tart. The pastry component particularly stood out, with judge Manu declaring it "a 10 out of 10 just alone" and noting "I have never seen it, I will probably never see it again but it kind of worked."
Family Inspiration and Future Dreams
During the competition, Lol shared the touching story of her late grandmother, who passed away in 2018, being her greatest culinary inspiration. "I grew up watching her cook," Lol explained. "It's where my passion and love for baking comes from. She was the most amazing woman and cook — her food was underrated."
Lol expressed pride in being able to share her grandmother's teachings with a national audience, adding "I'm glad I got to share a little bit of what she taught me with the world. She would be our biggest supporter." The Queenslander emphasized that her grandmother taught her to put love into every baked creation, a philosophy clearly evident in their semi-final performance.
Despite their elimination, both Lol and Lil expressed pride in their MKR journey. "We put everything into that cook, all the things we learned and we really wanted to just give it our all for the semi-final," Lil stated.
Lol added: "I'm proud of us for holding our own, never failing, never giving up, never giving in." While acknowledging the disappointment of coming so close to the grand final, Lil admitted there was "a bit of relief knowing we wouldn't have to cook under so much pressure again."
The pair, who still work in pest control administration, revealed they dream of opening their own food van one day. "It would be pretty cool to get our desserts out there," Lol shared enthusiastically.
Despite the drama and tension often shown at the MKR table, the contestants remain close friends, maintaining contact through a WhatsApp group and planning future reunions.
Maria and Bailey enter the grand final with confidence in their cooking abilities. "With everything Bailey and I do, we do 100 per cent," Maria declared. "We believed from day one in our abilities and in our cooking skills."
They face formidable opponents in Justin and Will, who have dominated the competition from the beginning. The stage is now set for an unforgettable culinary showdown that will determine who claims the MKR champion title.
The My Kitchen Rules grand final airs Sunday at 7pm on Seven and 7plus, where viewers will discover which team takes home the prestigious trophy and substantial cash prize.
