MOFFAT-born Masterchef contestant Tom Johnstone has burnt out in the show’s semi-final.
The 42-year-old received excellent feedback during his time on the popular BBC One show for his twist on classic British and Scottish meals.
During the first semi-final, the eight remaining contestants were split into three teams and were tasked with catering the Masterchef 20th anniversary dinner at Fishmonger’s Hall in London with a guest list including previous winners and finalists, guest chefs and guest critics.
Unfortunately, Tom and his two teammates lost the challenge and entered the cook-off. To earn a place in the second semi-final the four amateur chefs were asked to prepare a dish that featured an ingredient that they don’t like in 90 minutes.
Tom’s ingredient of choice was mussels which were served alongside a halibut with a beurre blanc sauce, tomato concasse, edamame beans sambar, diced potatoes and topped with a crispy salmon skin.
Judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace described the fish dish as both ‘overcooked’ and ‘undercooked’ and it unfortunately wasn’t enough to keep him in the competition.
After being eliminated, Tom said: “The highlight in this competition was standing in that dining room with 20 years of winners. To cook for them you cannot buy that experience. It’s my time to leave. I am absolutely ok with it.”
