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So Not Saucy: MasterChef's Marion's Shock Elimination

Having survived five elimination rounds, Adelaide contestant Marion Grasby’s time was finally up, with the hot favourite’s Masterchef dream extinguished after an intense satay sauce cook off against Sydney’s Aaron Harvie.

Did you know you were the favourite to win?
You know, I think we were in a bit of a bubble. I was aware of it from media interviews, but I tried not to think about it because whether or not people think I’m the favourite, that wasn’t going to help me in the kitchen. However, I was very flattered because I’d be in the kitchen watching everyone else - these amazing cooks who seemed like very big threats. I think it wasn’t until after the celebrity chef challenge against Frank Cammora, being the only contestant to have won one at that point, that people really started to notice what I was doing and when the favourite to win stuff started being bandied about.

With each elimination challenge, did the sense of competition heighten?
I think we’re too close to each other for that. While none of us want to go home ourselves, we don’t want someone else to go either. Aaron and I both wanted each other to do well. Aaron was very devastated that I was going and not him.

Who took your elimination the hardest?
I think my parents and my boyfriend Tim. Obviously your parents think that you’re the best! But I don’t think they shed any tears because I wasn’t unhappy myself. I was disappointed, but more excited about what I was going to do next.

How has your Thai heritage impacted your cooking?
My mum, my family and the way we’ve always eaten has influenced my love of food. If you don’t have that initial love and passion, you’re never going to be good at cooking. I learned everything from Mum, who is from Thailand. Thai food was the norm growing up and steak and three veg was something a bit different so I’d request it on my birthday.

Did you eat satay sauce growing up?
Yes, I have cooked it and eaten it a lot! But I don’t feel cheated because the judges do the judging. I’m not the judge, my mum’s not the judge and I really felt on the night that Aaron’s satay sauce was better, so there’s not really much I could do about it.

Can you cook a good satay sauce in 15 minutes in real life?
I have been perfecting my satay sauce recipe since I’ve been out. I’m working on releasing a line of Asian food sauces, and curry kits. My very first product will be a thick satay sauce, although not quite as thick as that!

What’s the biggest misconception about MasterChef?
I just think it's very difficult for viewers at home to understand what’s going on when they can't taste the food. It’s the biggest challenge for the show. The judges and often the contestants are tasting the food, so we know what’s fair.

What are you yet to master?
Baking skills! I’m by no means an experienced chef - just someone who’s been cooking at home and teaching myself. So I’ve got a hell of a lot to learn.

Are you hoping to emulate the success of previous contestants like Julie Goodwin and Poh Ling Yeow?
Well, if the opportunity to do a TV show came along I would like that, but I'm really focused on the Asian cooking line, doing food and wine dinners with Tim and cooking in the kitchen.

I’m not sensing much disappointment at being eliminated?
Certainly not! I don’t know how I can be disappointed when I’ve gone to London, to Paris, when I won a celebrity chef challenge. When I look back on the show those are the moments I’ll remember.

To read more about Marion’s elimination and hot new life after MasterChef, plus WHO’s glamorous makeover photo shoot with the show’s female finalists, see this week’s WHO Magazine, on sale Friday, July 9



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PHOTOGRAPH BY PETER BREW_BEVAN