The pressure is mounting on the remaining contestants of MasterChef Celebrity as the competition nears its conclusion. A surprising elimination during the latest episode dramatically shifted the landscape, turning what was expected to be another challenging night into a high-stakes battle for survival. The reality cooking present, a mainstay on Telefe, continues to captivate audiences with its demanding tests and the compelling stories of its celebrity participants.
Since its return in October, MasterChef Celebrity has consistently drawn strong ratings, solidifying its position as one of Argentina’s most popular television programs. The show’s success is largely attributed to the dynamic between host Wanda Nara and the judging panel of Damián Betular, Germán Martitegui, and Donato de Santis. As the field narrows, the tension intensifies, both within the kitchen and among viewers following the drama unfold on social media.
The recent “benefits gala,” featuring challenges centered around cannolis and pejerrey, unexpectedly sent two contestants directly to the elimination round: Sofía Gonet, known as “La Reini,” and Leandro “Chino” Leunis. This marked a first in the show’s history, as two competitors had never simultaneously faced the threat of being sent home. The unexpected turn of events set the stage for a particularly tense elimination challenge.
The evening’s prime-time programming began with the final episode of Por el mundo, hosted by Marley alongside Luisana and Darío Lopilato, broadcasting live from Telluride, United States. The program, which saw the hosts and Marley’s son, Mirko, enjoying a weekend getaway in a cabin and hitting the slopes, achieved a peak audience share of 10.2 points, according to ratings data. Infobae reports that MasterChef Celebrity then launched with a 9.4 rating.
Competing to avoid elimination were Evangelina Anderson, La Joaqui, Susana Roccasalvo, Andy Chango, Agustín “Cachete” Sierra, and Maxi López. The atmosphere shifted dramatically when the judges revealed that all contestants were at risk, each receiving a black apron signifying their potential departure. “Today, one of you, on the doorstep of the grand finale, will have to leave the kitchens forever. From this moment on, this becomes an elimination gala,” announced Germán Martitegui, raising the stakes considerably.
The contestants were tasked with preparing kimchi express and bibimbap – traditional Korean dishes – within a 70-minute time limit. Kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish central to Korean cuisine, is known for its savory and spicy flavors, while bibimbap combines rice, vegetables, meat, egg, spicy sauce, and sesame seeds. As the competition progressed, ratings climbed to 10.7 points, marking one of the most complex and engaging nights of the season.
The initial presentations saw mixed results. Evangelina Anderson was the first to present her dish, followed by La Joaqui, who surprised the judges, and Andy Chango. All three faced criticism. Cachete Sierra, however, received praise for his creation, while Maxi López and Susana Roccasalvo encountered some difficulties. The show ultimately peaked at 11.1 points during the night, Clarín reports, as Cachete was saved from elimination, leaving Roccasalvo and Chango vulnerable.
Susana Roccasalvo, a journalist, was eliminated from the competition. Visibly emotional, she expressed her gratitude to the production team, her daughter, and the show’s crew, as well as host Wanda Nara. Roccasalvo likewise shared a deeply personal connection to the judges, recalling cherished experiences at chef Donato de Santis’s Italian restaurants and enjoying pastries created by Damián Betular, finding solace in those moments during difficult times. “In Tegui, I had the most delicious moments of my life,” she said.
The final stages of MasterChef Celebrity are rapidly approaching, with the grand finale scheduled to air soon. While the exact date remains unconfirmed, reports suggest the final episode was recorded on February 20th, with alternative endings filmed to maintain suspense. Clarín notes that the show’s conclusion will coincide with the premiere of Gran Hermano Generación Dorada on February 23rd, marking a significant shift in Telefe’s programming lineup.
As the competition draws to a close, viewers are eagerly anticipating the crowning of the next MasterChef Celebrity champion. The remaining contestants will undoubtedly continue to push their culinary skills to the limit, vying for the coveted title and the recognition that comes with it. The show’s continued success underscores the enduring appeal of reality cooking competitions and the fascination with celebrity transformations in the kitchen.
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