MASTERCHEF VIEWERS UNNERVED BY MICHEL ROUX JR'S TWIN WAITRESSES

• Austrian identical twins Sylvia and Ursula Perberschlager waited on the tables during a tense semi-final at Michel Roux Jr's Mayfair restaurants
• Read more: MasterChef viewers are left devastated as true 'winner' is sent home at the final hurdle - after another contestant served up 'RAW' duck

It's finals week on MasterChef, and four contestants still in with a shot of lifting the trophy headed for one of the country's most prestigious restaurants - before it closed its doors to the public for the final time. 

Michel Roux Jr's Le Gavroche in London's Mayfair officially shut up shop in January after 35 years, but MasterChef filmed a tense semi-final episode in the famous eatery - and met some of its rather unique serving staff while there. 

Viewers tuning in to see contestants Abi Kempley, Brin Pirathapan, Chris Willoughby and Louise Lyons Macleod vying for three places in the final enjoyed the behind-the-scenes TV insight into what was once one of the world's best restaurants - including meeting the restaurant's unique waiting staff, dubbed 'The Sisters'. 

Identical twins Sylvia and Ursula Perberschlager, who hail from Austria, have been part of the Roux dynasty for more than 20 years, and were on hand to deliver the semi-final dishes to a stellar crowd of critics - including MasterChef star Monica Galetti, three Michelin-star chef Pierre Koffmann and Michel's daughter Emily. 

All eyes were on The Sisters, who speak seven languages and have enjoyed a cult following amongst Le Gavroche guests - with regular diners saying the twins were a huge part of the restaurant's success. 

They appeared to keep a very close eye on contestants' dishes, looking more than a little concerned when Louise's ice cream began to melt as she plated up a Michel Roux Jr dessert. 

The semi-final was closely fought, with many viewers saying they were devastated when Abi, the youngest contestant on the show, was given the boot. 

After the task cooking for the esteemed guests at Le Gavroche, the chefs whipped up a meal back at the MasterChef UK kitchen to impress judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace.

But as Brin, 29, and Chris, 44, impressed with their skillful dishes, it was either Louise, also 44, or Abi who were set to miss out on a spot in the final three.

Judge John Torode announced that it was Abi who would be leaving the competition, sparking upset from viewers who had been willing her on to win.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, they wrote: 'Fallen at the final hurdle. Really thought it was hers to take.'

'This woman should be in the final,'; 'Gutted for Abi - you’re a winner in my eyes!!';

'Gutted Abbie went . Brin to win,'; 'I really like Brin and Chris but Abi is incredible for her age'.

'Abi should be proud at how far she has come. To be only in her early twenties and getting to finals week on #Masterchefuk is an amazing achievement. I reckon she'll be a big chef in the future.'

Brim and Chris were revealed to have impressed the judges and earned a spot in the final, leaving Abi and Louise at risk.

Announcing Abi's departure, John said: 'Abi and Louise, one of you is going through to the final, one of you is leaving us.

'The contestant leaving us... is Abi. Abi than you its been an incredible journey for you.'

Ahead of her departure from the show, Abi served up the starter - which Michel Roux Jr's guests hailed 'delicious' - poached scallop mousse on a julienne of vegetables and diced scallop, served with a Chartreuse liqueur veloute and a scallop coral tuile. 

'I would really really like to see what happens with you next because you are an amazing talent for somebody so young,' Gregg said. 'Well done.'

Of missing out on a place in the final, Abi said: 'Obviously a little gutting to be going home at this stage, so close but the whole competition has been challenge from start to finish.

She told the show: 'I'm definitely really proud of what I've achieved.'

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2024-05-22T10:34:43Z dg43tfdfdgfd