The top three
Viewers were shocked to see Chris Badenoch eliminated from MasterChef Australia at the 11th hour.
The 41-year-old beer merchant from Melbourne had been a hot favourite to compete in the finale, and maybe even take out the inaugural title.
But the judges, assisted by guest judge Donna Hay, chose 38-year-old Central Coast mother Julie Goodwin to join 35-year-old artist Poh Ling Yeow from Adelaide to battle it out on Sunday night.
"It's hugely disappointing," Chris said. "But top three is an achievement and you will be eating in my establishment sooner rather than later. This experience has turned my life on its head and I won't forget this. My future is bright, full of beer, and full of food, and I can't wait."
Even judge Matt Preston agreed that Badenoch had been a defiant competitor.
Matt Preston said: "You have been the competition's most consistent performer but today let yourself down. The execution of these three dishes let you down. Tragically that's enough to send you home.
"We know we'll be drinking your beer and eating your food in your beer bar in six months time. And there will be a beer book. No doubt. Thanks for the pigs head, for the hat, for the dry Melbourne humour. We'll see you around."
For Julie, it was another life-saving reprieve. In a week where she was cracking under the pressure, she hadn't even managed to finish plating up all her courses. But Donna Hay responded to her clear vision of a cookbook built around a "family" theme.
The series scored another series high for TEN, surging to 2.36 million. So far this week it has been the number one show of the night for five nights running. Expect Sunday's finale to push beyond the 2.5 million mark, and probably finish as the year's top rating show.
Meanwhile TEN is putting the finishing touches to its cast for Celebrity MasterChef, expected to air one hour a week for 10 weeks from October.
Who will win MasterChef Australia 7:30pm Sunday night on TEN? Poh or Julie?
yes he did. he was such a tossa im glad he didnt win i hated julie but i preferred her to him
His cooking may be missed but his arrogance certainly wont. Julie will win on the fact she is more marketable
It really should have come down to Chris and Julie in the top 2, Justine should have beaten Poh. Poh's advantage was too big to produce something that poor and stay in.