Celebrity MasterChef fans were left fuming after the judges sent home the “wrong” contestant.
Jay McGuiness, a former member of boyband The Wanted, became the first to leave the kitchen on Wednesday, August 19, following two epic disasters in the kitchen.
Mr McGuiness’ exit leaves Shakira Khan, Joe Pasquale, Emily Campbell, and Jason Mohammad to compete in the quarter final.
Fans fume after Jay McGuiness leaves MasterChef
On his exit, Mr McGuiness said: "I am one of five siblings, I was in a band of five boys, there are five of us mini MasterChefs.
"It sucks to go.
"I hate to break up the band.
"But the memories last."
The 36-year-old struggled to release a cheesecake from its tin, prompting new judge Giorgio Locatelli to suggest using more butter to line the tin next time.
His next dish was a mushroom pie, which also failed to impress.
Mr Locatelli said: "It has definitely got a problem.
"It's too crumbly and is almost sandy.
"You've added too much fat into the mixture."
Mr McGuiness had already shared his nerves about the judges before the show aired.
He said: "[Giorgio] came in with restrained 'daddy' energy – that slow power that walks into a room is quite unsettling.
"He had that composed calm that unsettles me because I can't read those sort of people.
"Also, Grace has just the right amount of zippy madness.
"I wanted to go and hang out in her kitchen afterwards and drink wine with her.
"Even though she's still intimidating in her own right, I felt like there was a really fun chaos in there."
Viewers took to social media to vent their frustration, with some insisting the judges, including guest judge Paddy McGuinness, had made the “wrong decision.”
One person took to X and said: "Justice for Jay!!!! Chips looked banging tbf @JayMcGuiness #masterchef."
Another person said: "Ohhhh @JayMcGuiness I’m so sad #celebritymasterchef."
The latest series of Celebrity MasterChef features a refreshed judging panel following the departure of former judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
The first episode aired on Tuesday, August 18, with the second on Wednesday.
The next episode will air on Friday, August 21.
Despite his early departure, Mr McGuiness said he enjoyed the experience and formed lasting memories with his fellow contestants.
Do you think the judges made the wrong decision? Let us know in the comments.
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