Rick Stein is hooked on the talents of MasterChef’s title fighters in latest elimination challenge

ANOTHER MasterChef challenger is out but it won’t be the last you’ve seen of this contestant.

Hooked ... MasterChef guest judge Rick Stein is impressed by the talents of contestant Billie McKay. Picture: Channel 10

SEAFOOD king Rick Stein has sunk the chances of MasterChef challenger Amy Luttrell, but it won’t be the last you see of the Tasmanian favourite on Channel 10.

The former hairdresser has already made the most of her reality TV profile by teaming up with another graduate of the cooking show, Ben Milbourne and recorded appearances on his Creative Media series, Ben’s Menu.

Luttrell was eliminated after undercooking her squid in a dish of coconut and lemongrass curry, in what emerged as a battle to impress the UK foodie hero and seafood specialist.

Big break ... MasterChef graduates Ben Milbourne and Amy Luttrell have teamed up on his TV show, Ben's Menu. Picture: Creative Media

In a dramatic episode, Ashleigh Bareham used her immunity pin to save herself from the pressure cook, after revealing she was worried about her sick mother and unable to focus.

With each contestant charged with cooking a different species of fish and matched to a different world cuisine, Luttrell was tasked with using squid in a Malaysian-style meal.

Title frontrunner Billie McKay excelled in the tasting, wowing Stein with her dish of pan-seared red emperor with chorizo, sherry, orange and saffron broth which he described as “an absolute knock out.”

Matthew Hopcraft’s serving of John Dory coconut curry with caramelised eggplant, rice and flatbread also drew compliments; as did Georgia Barnes’ snow crab bisque with fennel, tarragon and tomato.

Eliminated ... former hairdresser Amy Luttrell would make a perfect poster girl for Tourism Tasmania. Picture: Channel 10

Joining Luttrell in the bottom two was Jessie Spiby, who struggled with her poached Murray cod, served with peas, bacon and brussels sprouts and a thyme and rosemary sauce (drawing on the flavours of Britain).

Spiby’s fish was also undercooked, but Luttrell’s curry sauce was deemed too thick and she was sent home.

Luttrell told NewsCorp she was “overtaken” by the outstanding cooks still left in the series, who continued to raise the bar.

“I was so focused on not overcooking my seafood, I ended up undercooking it. My little mistakes made a big difference,” she said.

She approached Milbourne for advice after meeting him during a Mexican team challenge, with the Devonport chef offering her a role on his Channel 10 cooking show.

“(TV) has never been the plan for me, but as soon as Ben gave me a shot now I think it’s an option. I have just thoroughly enjoyed working with him on air and also helping behind-the-scenes.”

Seafood king ... MasterChef guest judge Rick Stein with Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris. Picture: Channel 10.

They spent an enviable day last week filming in Hobart aboard a Seafood Seduction cruise, diving for abalone, eating crayfish caught straight out of the sea on the boat and downing dozens of freshly-shucked oysters.

While she seems an obvious new poster girl for Tourism Tasmanian, Luttrell said she was yet to be approached for an official role.

Still, she offered her top three Tassie food experiences by way of auditioning for a job: suggesting the Seafood Seduction cruise; the wine trails of the Tamar Valley; as well as the Harvest produce markets near her home in Launceston.

Her episodes on Ben’s Menu are expected to begin airing from September on Ten.

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Originally published as Rick Stein is hooked on the talents of MasterChef’s title fighters in latest elimination challenge