Fans in tears as MasterChef favourite heads home
Masterchef fans did not take the departure of Callum Hann very well, with many taking to social media to praise the season two return for his humble attitude and his kindness.
Former MasterChef winner Adam Liaw honoured Callum on Twitter and joked that his nice guy persona is “all an act”.
“You all really need to know that @callumskitchen’s wholesome nice guy persona on #MasterChefAU is all an act. In reality he’s actually even nicer,” Liaw wrote.
As friends Laura Sharrad and Callum cooked against each other on Tuesday, it became easily one of the most emotional episodes this season.
Unfortunately, the texture of his snapper ultimately let him down, and he was farewelled with a thoughtful send-off from Melissa Leong, who heartfully praised the fan favourite.
While the judges and contestants became overcome with emotions, they could only elbow tap to say goodbye due to the strict coronavirus restrictions.
“The name Callum Hann is synonymous with this competition,” judge Melissa said.
“10 years ago you might have walked into this kitchen as a boy, but this time you’ve returned as a dad”
“Every time you walk through those doors, humility and integrity has always followed. We are so proud of you,” she added.
Callum was overcome with emotion following his cook against Laura and asked producers for a minute to compose himself.
“It kinda just hit me there at the end of the cook,” he said once he’d finished.
“The last few nights months have been massive inside and outside the competition … I’m feeling really emotional because either Laura is sending me home or vice versa which really sucks.”
When he began cooking, he admitted it would be tough to go against his close friend in the kitchen.
“I can genuinely say this will be the hardest challenge for me for this season,” he said.
“Laura and I have worked together, we’ve been mates for six years, she’s a really deserving person to be in the semi-final as well. To feel like I’m either being eliminated or I’m gonna be eliminating a mate is really tough.”
Callum and Laura were left battling it out for a spot in the semi final after Reynold and Emilia both were confirmed to go on to the next round.
In the end, Callum’s mushy fish was what was his demise, despite the flavours of his creation wowing the judges.
Laura admitted she had “fangirled” over Callum when he came second to Adam Liaw in season 2.
“I never thought that we would be here together,” Laura said.
“We’ve worked together, we’ve hung out, we’re really good friends and it’s been really amazing to do it with someone who is as amazing as Callum. He’s so loving, so humble, so gracious.
“He’s an amazing dad. He should be really proud of himself.”
Fans were equally as devastated to see the star go, taking to Twitter to air their tears.
Callum is quite possibly the nicest guy ever. #MasterchefAU
— Thomas Nguyen (@ThomasHNguyen) July 14, 2020
Men like Callum and Adam Liaw should be held up as symbols of what Australian men could and should be
Instead lol heres some Bachelor in Paradise and MAFS #MasterChefAU— Heath (@popculturepooka) July 14, 2020
In my eyes, not matter what the outcome tonight, @callumskitchen is an outright winner. He’s just made the whole country love him all over again and he should be very proud of the food he’s produced. #MasterChefAU
— Bec Derrington (@becderrington) July 14, 2020
“I’m really excited to get back to Adelaide,” Callum told the camera.
“My beautiful wife, Crystal, has sacrificed a lot for me to be here for that, so, just excited to get home and give them both a cuddle and be there as much as I possibly can.”
Reynold Poernomo, Emelia Jackson and Laura Sharrad are heading into the semi-finals on Sunday.