MasterChef contestant Louise Lyons Macleod was given the good news last night that she had made it to the final of the popular BBC cooking show, however, her chances of winning the series look slim.
During tonight's final, the three cooks must serve a splendid three-course menu that delivers in presentation, taste and originality, with John Torode and Gregg Wallace being left with the difficult task of choosing the MasterChef Champion 2024.
However, according to Gambling.com, it seems Lyons Macleod could miss out on the winning title as her odds to be crowned 2024 champion only stand at 3/1 - the worst of all three finalists.
She just about made it to the final after Wallace and Torode were contemplating between herself and Abi Kempley, noting that her hogget dish could've done with a bit more seasoning.
Looking set to win the series is Chris Willoughby with odds of 8/11, after he served up a Japanese feast which was dedicated to his long-term partner Kim.
Willoughby's offering even left Torode to fight back the tears and express: "I'm slightly emotional about this, it's so clever. I think Kim is a lucky, lucky man."
Chris Willoughby, Louise Lyons Macleod and Brin Pirathapan made it through to the final
BBC
He added that his dish was "bang on the money" and Willoughby sailed into the final three after Wallace agreed with his co-star's comments.
He shouldn't get too comfortable though as Brin Pirathapan isn't far behind with odds of 11/8, making it an extremely close call between the two aspiring chefs.
Pirathapan received plenty of praise from Torode and Wallace, with the panellists putting him through to the final during their deliberations after falling in love with his South American-inspired dish.
Torode said the dish gave him shivers, whilst Wallace admitted Pirathapan was "cooking like a celebrated fine dining chef".
Abi's MasterChef elimination shocked some viewers
BBC
Explaining the reasoning behind the odds and Lyons Macleod's outside chance, Gambling.com Entertainment/TV betting expert, James Leyfield said: "While Chris and Brin battle it out to be favourite ahead of the final episode of the 20th series, Louise certainly shouldn't be ignored.
"She may be the 3/1 outsider with the bookies, but Louise is well worth a place in the final and it wouldn't be a huge surprise if she won the trophy.
"It was between her and Abi for a place in the final three, and while the judges admitted Louise's hogget dish - which was dedicated to her husband Ally - could've done with a bit more seasoning, she overcame competition from Abi to progress.
"Abi was sent home after Gregg insisted her dish wasn't as ambitious in its process as some of the other contestants, leaving her "gutted", but she was 'proud' of her achievements. The final trio should rightly be proud of their performances on the programme throughout this 20th series, and any of the three will be worthy winners on Wednesday evening."
Despite many looking forward to the highly anticipated final of the 20th series, some were left furious last night after Kempley was eliminated from the competition.
"This woman should be in the final.#Masterchef," one exclaimed before a second added: "Aaawwww!! Poor Abbie #Masterchef."
A third shared: "Gutted for Abi - you’re a winner in my eyes!! #MasterChefUK #MasterChef."
"#Masterchef hard luck Abi," another remarked. However, some agreed with the judges," a fourth noted.
However, some thought their decision was correct as one fan penned: "Chris, Brin and Louise deserved to be in the final. What did Abi do in 1 hour 45 mins??? #Masterchef."
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Bookmakers have priced Louise at being least likely to win the series
BBC
Someone else shared: "Brin & Chris .... Sooo good!! Well deserved finalists!! My winner?? Go Brin!! #Masterchef #finalists." (sic)
Following their chance to prepare some dishes under the watchful eye of restaurant owner Michel Roux Jr, Kempley admitted: "The cook was one of the most stressful things I've ever done in my entire life, but I'm feeling really good - really proud of myself."