MasterChef contestant quits show after suffering painful burns during challenge

24 October 2023 , 21:47

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MasterChef contestant quits show after suffering painful burns during challenge

A chef on MasterChef: The Professionals quit the competition tonight after she suffered painful facial burns during a challenge.

Brazilian chef Cristina Maia, 51, was forced to see a doctor after a blender with hot liquid exploded over her face. Cristina was taking part in the Signature Menu round when the accident happened, leaving her covered in boiling hot bisque. She had put the hot liquid into a blender and when she opened it, it exploded everywhere, Gregg Wallace had explained.

The show's medical crew rushed over to speak to her and check she was ok, before sending her to a doctor. She pulled out of the round before they showed a picture of her with a bandage on her chin. Judges Gregg Wallace, Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing were horrified for her, but glad she was ok as they explained to viewers that accidents happen.

She was quickly seen by a member of the team (BBC)

Cristina was competing against her fellow chefs, Rosie, 34, Tommy, 27, and Charlie, 22, who all took part in a Skills Challenge and a Signature Menu round. Normally two would get sent home, but this time all three of them made it through to the next round.

For Rosie and Tommy, Marcus tasked them with cooking a special spiced monkfish, which they had to serve alongside a chilli butter sauce and polenta, whilst Cristina and Charlie were given their dish by Monica, who returned to the show this year after taking some time off. They had to test their pastry skills, making a special luxurious twist on a tasty banana sundae.

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Last year, Monica confirmed she was quitting the show to focus on her London restaurant. She said at the time: "'It is with a heavy heart that I've made this decision to step back from filming this year's series of MasterChef: The Professionals.

Cristina was bandaged up by doctors (BBC)

"My family need me, my restaurant needs me and trying to balance long filming days over the next three months with all these commitments meant that something had to give. So, for the moment, my focus has to be 100% about my loved ones and rebuilding my kitchen team who have had a battering over the last few months especially."

She added: "Those in the hospitality industry know just how tough it is at the moment. To my MasterChef family, crew and friends, I'm so sorry that I won't be with you this year but I hope to be back soon. Thank you to both BBC and Shine TV for being so understanding of my decision but for this year I'll be your number one supporter from the side lines. To my fellow judges and friends Marcus and Gregg – I'll be watching – you've got this! If you're ever unsure just think – what would Mon do?! See you soon!"

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Jasmine Allday