MasterChef’s First Eliminated Contestant: Devon Headland

How do you feel about being the first to leave?
Unfortunately, a bit of a bugger. I didn't feel it was my time to go. But I mean, it's a TV show, so there's nothing much you can do.

What was your reaction when Sarah Carmichael left the show because of homesickness?
Everybody knew that she was struggling. Even for us, without kids, it was hard. But with kids, that's a tough one. When she left, everyone had sort of mixed feelings. And she put me on the chopping block anyway - so that was awkward. But you know, she had to do what she had to do.

Do you feel that the elimination process was fair?
Being the first one out, and the way that I went, some of the comments that were said - I don't feel that it was 100% fair. I understand what the judges were talking about, but at the same time I disagree with it as well.

How did you handle being put in a competition with Johnathan?
Well, Johnathan's a bit of a technician. So I knew I had my work cut-out for me. I also knew I was going to back myself. Not for one minute did I think I'd be in that position, I actually thought I was one of the stronger team players that night. So yeah, it took me by surprise. I think maybe that's what they wanted - a bit of a shock for the first elimination.

Do you think it was worth postponing your wedding for?
Yeah, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, it'll never happen to me again. And my partner knew that, and she made the decision - well we both did. At the end of the day, it was a large one for Cat to make. We've been together for 16 years and we're nearly at that big day, and for it to be put off cost me another year.

Is there a new wedding date set?
No, no yet. We're still working on it because we actually lost all our deposits and the venue. There’s a two-year waiting list for that specific venue. So now we're sort of looking at new venues.

Has opening a restaurant always been your dream?
There's always been a real passion of mine to cook. Over the last six to eight years, I've always spoken about a cafe or a little deli and you know, really nice food, because that's what I crave on the weekend. I love to go to a little cafe with nice produce. And I know that I can do it, and I will do it. This was just a little stepping stone for me to get there.

So where to from here?
Well, at the moment I'm working part-time in a kitchen. And I'm also looking at starting up a little catering company, where we can go and cater for small dinner parties and things like that. Sort of really get interactive with the clients, and, you know, just have a bit of fun with it.

Who do you think will win MasterChef Season 2?
I think I've got three really tough players. One would be Marion - she's an amazing cook, she's got all the clues. Johnathan - he's a really tough player as well. And Adele - I think she's a bit of a dark horse, I think she's got a lot more knowledge.

Who do you want to win?
I think when it comes to background story and what they're about, I'd say Adele. She's got a fantastic focus, and there's huge meaning behind why she wants it. If I had to choose someone who I really wanted to win, Adele would be the one.

Were you in there for long enough to make really close relationships with anyone?
I think I'll be keeping in contact with pretty much all of them. They're amazing people and you don't often come across people who enjoy basically the same thing as you do. It's pretty special to be in a room full of people that absolutely love cooking. Anyone else would be like. "OK, can you shut up now and just cook dinner?" [laughs].

What has MasterChef taught you?
Understanding. To be able to understand not only food itself, but processes and reasons.

MasterChef Australia Season 2 screens on Network Ten, Sun - Fri at 7:30pm.

Meet the Masterchef Top 24