“I Was Devastated”: Michael Weldon on Being Sent Home on MasterChef Australia

2 years ago

After placing second in season three of MasterChef Australia, Michael Weldon decided to return to the kitchen in the hopes he would take home the crown. Sadly, his journey on the show came to an end last night, after his overcooked fish left the judges less than impressed.

His fellow contestants and viewers at home were devastated to see him go, but while they watched his heart sink to the floor on-screen, Michael chose to stay far away from the episode that saw him eliminated.

Filmed months in advance, the cook admitted to not watching the show on Sunday night. “I didn’t want to watch it. Obviously, I knew what had happened and it was the only day in the kitchen that was really bad, and I just didn’t want to watch it,” he told POPSUGAR Australia.

“I’m actually really at peace with what happened and just proud of the experience and what I got to do in the kitchen, and the people that I met who have become such close friends.

“I don’t love to watch myself on TV, so I didn’t watch it. Although I did get lots of beautiful feedback which has been great.”

Michael just narrowly missed out on the top 10, and while it was a feeling that was hard to shake, he’s managed to come to terms with it.

“I was devastated that I didn’t make it into the top 10, and I put a lot of pressure on myself to try and make it as far as I did last time, this time and it’s pretty unrealistic,” he said. “I’m sad I missed the top 10, but it doesn’t matter because you can’t change it.”

Weldon, who is undoubtedly a great cook, had a rough day in the kitchen. After his time on the show was up, Weldon said he relived the moment in his head, thinking of all the ways he could have cooked the fish to perfection. However, he knew dwelling over it wouldn’t reverse time.

“Sometimes you just know it’s your day, and that was my day, unfortunately. It’s annoying because it’s a bit of fish which I would usually cook perfectly, but I stuffed it up twice in one week. I picked the wrong fish, too, which is silly,” he admitted.

“You make these decisions in the kitchen when you’re under pressure and it didn’t go my way. You’ve seen it happen where some of the most skilled cooks such as Reynold and Marion, didn’t get it done because it isn’t just about cooking, it’s also about endurance.”

Thankfully, Michael has a solid career outside of MasterChef Australia, and is already starting pre-production for another season of Farm To Fork. Alongside his television show, he’s back to being a Coles ambassador and Senior Development Chef, so it’s safe to say, he’s doing pretty well for himself.

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