’MasterChef Australia’s Tracy Collins has defended Laura Sharrad , who has received viewer criticism for repeatedly cooking pasta on the reality show, though not much feedback from the judges for focusing on one type of cuisine.
According to Tracy, all contestants are known for their specialties, and it would be “weird” if her co-star tried to “cook predominantly Southeast Asian or Indian food”.
“Yes, she’s now got a pasta restaurant. At the end of the day, we’re all there to highlight our businesses, our life and [be] reflective of that,” Tracy told HuffPost Australia on Monday.
Highlighting Laura’s versatility as a cook – given “she was a pastry chef for a few years” when she worked for judge Jock Zonfrillo at Orana restaurant, plus has also been employed by an eatery with “Asian influence” – Tracy said Laura’s only doing what each other contestant is also doing.
“So yes, Brendan is doing dumplings, Laura’s doing pasta, but Poh’s doing cakes, Reece does cakes and [for] Sarah Tiong, it’s her Southeast Asian [food],” she said.
“It’s reflective of who we are, and it would be weird for Laura to come on and cook predominantly Southeast Asian or Indian food, when that’s not a reflection of who she is.
“Everything she’s done is so diverse, and I’ve absolutely loved watching her craft of pasta making - the intricacies, the delicacies to it, and it’s actually inspired me for my pasta making.”
Tracy was eliminated from the cooking show on Sunday night after being in the bottom three alongside Reece Hignell and Emilia Jackson following a fish-themed challenge.
The mother-of-three said being booted from the show was a blessing in disguise, as she was able to return to her kids in the Barossa Valley before coronavirus travel restrictions were enforced.
’MasterChef Australia’s social distancing episodes will begin airing on Monday night, in which contestants will be standing 1.5 metres apart and wearing gloves.
On ‘MasterChef Australia: Back To Win’ this year, Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo have replaced former judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston.
There are 24 previous contestants including Poh Ling Yeow , Reynold Poernomo and Callum Hann who have returned to the series for another shot at victory.
‘MasterChef Australia: Back To Win’ continues at 7:30pm on Channel 10.