In a dramatic turn of events on Thursday's (December 4) episode of Celebrity MasterChef, host and judge John Torode was forced to take direct action in the kitchen after contestant Ashley Cain committed a major error that left a key ingredient completely raw.
Kitchen Chaos Unfolds
The tense moment occurred during the show's third and final heat, where Cain was battling for a semi-final place against rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones, singer Alfie Boe, and comedian Noreen Khan. After successfully navigating a paired challenge with Jones, Cain faced the individual test: creating a two-course meal for guest judges and former contestants Craig Doyle, Amy Walsh, and Kadeena Cox.
For his main, Cain chose to cook teriyaki salmon with noodles and pak choi. As time pressure mounted, judge Grace Dent warned him he had just four minutes remaining. In a panic, Cain dashed to the oven only to make a shocking discovery.
Torode's Hands-On Rescue Mission
Ashley Cain had placed his salmon in the wrong oven – one that was not switched on. The fish was entirely uncooked. A stunned John Torode rushed over, asking "You put it in the wrong one?" to which a dismayed Cain confessed, "I didn't know there was two."
Torode immediately took charge, declaring, "OK, I'll tell you what we are going to have to do. Get the wok on and we're going to pan-fry it quickly Ashley." The judge then raced around the kitchen, urging Cain on: "OK, quickly, quickly. We've got to do this. This is going to take you about four minutes. You're going to be about ten minutes over."
The stress of the situation proved too much, with footage showing Torode briefly burying his face in his hands. Co-host Grace Dent intervened, demanding of Cain, "What have you done to John?"
Apology and Triumph Against the Odds
A visibly crushed Ashley Cain turned to Torode and apologised, saying, "I'm so sorry John." The judge, trying to rally the contestant's spirits, called back, "Come on Ashley, you've done harder things."
Remarkably, despite the significant blunder and lost time, Cain managed to complete his dish within the extended deadline and presented it to the judges. His determination in the face of disaster clearly impressed the panel.
In the end, Ashley Cain's resilience paid off, as he was announced as one of the celebrities securing their coveted place in the semi-final stage of the popular BBC competition.
Viewers can catch up on the full episode, including all the kitchen drama, on BBC iPlayer.
