MKR 2024 contestant spills on which team caused the most on-set drama: 'Problematic'

The 2024 season of MKR has seen plenty of dramatic moments so far, particularly between contestants Janey and Lawrence, whose constant digging at each other has become so intense that viewers have threatened to stop watching. The pair have continually expressed their mutual dislike for each other and Lawrence's comments about Janey and Maddie's food even caused the mother/daughter duo to walk out during Mike and Pete's Instant Restaurant.

However, according to a contestant from the current season, the tension was not just contained to the animosity between Janey and Lawrence but also extended to Lawrence's partner, Hannah. The 'Loved Up Couple' apparently faced criticism behind the scenes for being cast because "[Hannah] knew the producers and didn’t really know how to cook."

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"The fact Hannah had been on Big Brother Australia was her ticket onto the show," the 2024 contestant tells Yahoo Lifestyle. "The two 'lovebirds' did not connect with everyone. In fact, they rubbed a few people up the wrong way and caused quite a bit of tension."

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The contestant continues: "They fluked a lot of their food and proved having a mouth on them was why they secured a place on a cooking show. You could see they were TV talent and were brought in to liven up the room."

Viewers of MKR were recently shocked to discover that it was not only Hannah who had prior TV experience but Lawrence too, with the WA native having graduated with a Bachelor of Performing Arts from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). He's also appeared in multiple TV ads, films and TV series over the past eight years. This includes roles in the popular BINGE series The Twelve, the war film Before Dawn alongside former Home and Away actor Stephen Peacocke, and the Channel Seven Logie-nominated miniseries The Claremont Murders.

"I think Lawrence has stars in his eyes," the contestant says. "He was happy to tell all of us about his resume of film credits and while he denies watching Hannah on Big Brother he clearly doesn't mind that she already has a recognisable face."

According to the MKR competitor, "The issue started when Hannah boldly told everyone that she was poached for the show and did not apply the traditional way. It was even more problematic to learn that they had no real history with food."

MKR producer defends Hannah and Lawrence

However, a producer has clapped back at the contestant's claims, asserting that Hannah did not receive any special treatment due to her previous appearance on a Channel Seven series.

"The show is about home cooks and while her time on Big Brother did open the door for Hannah, she did still have to go through most of the final stages," the producer told Yahoo Lifestyle. "They didn't just walk her out of the house and into the kitchen."

According to the producer, Hannah was originally approached to appear on the show with her grandmother.

"It wasn't until they spoke with Hannah that the idea of Lawrence came up," they said.

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The couple, who met through mutual friends and have been dating for 18 months, are currently sitting at the bottom of the leaderboard after their Instant Restaurant failed to impress (much to the delight of Maddie and Janey). With a score of just 53 out of 110 and just one Instant Restaurant to go, the couple is at risk of elimination.

"I guarantee you this isn't the last we will see of these two," the contestant says. "They were really chummy with producers, and you can tell they are both super thirsty for more TV work. I am pretty sure they are pitching a show called 'Hannah's Getting Married' as we speak."

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