MasterChef UK 2026 Eliminations: Full List of Who Left, When & Why (Updated Live Tracker)

MasterChef UK Series 22 is underway with new judges Anna Haugh and Grace Dent at the helm. The competition is intense, and eliminations are coming thick and fast. As of 29 April 2026, the first quarter-final has seen a dramatic triple elimination.

This page serves as the definitive tracker for all eliminations, round-by-round breakdowns, and what’s coming next.

How MasterChef UK Eliminations Work in 2026

The format remains familiar but feels refreshed under the new judging duo:

• Heats: Contestants cook a signature dish and face challenges like the Market Test and Impression Test. Usually 3 are eliminated per heat.
• Quarter-Finals: Strongest cooks from each heat compete. Multiple eliminations per round (often 3 out of 6).
• Knockout Week & Beyond: Further pressure tests, critic challenges, and professional kitchen rounds until the final.

New judges Anna Haugh (chef) and Grace Dent (critic) bring sharper technical feedback and witty commentary. Challenges include pancake tests, critic’s briefs (e.g., Jay Rayner’s salad task), and more.

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MasterChef UK 2026 Eliminations Tracker

Last updated: 29 April 2026

Heat 1 Eliminations (Aired ~21–23 April)

• Sam Hamilton-Dunks (39, St. Albans, Accounts Assistant) — Eliminated in Heat 1.
• Brendan Payne (57, Surrey, Construction Project Company Director) — Eliminated in Heat 1.
• Matt (41, West Yorkshire, IT Manager) — Eliminated in Heat 1.

Advanced from Heat 1 to Quarter-Finals: Sabina Khan, Jhané Gibson, Rosdip Rai, and others including Amy, Jim, Luca, Maddie, Maria, Michael.

First Quarter-Final Eliminations (Aired ~23 April 2026)

Six contestants competed: Rosedip Rai, Jim Jayawardena, Maddie Moores, Michael Harris, Sabina Khan, Jhané Gibson.

Eliminated:

• Rosedip Rai (33, North Shields, Digital Portfolio Manager)
• Maddie Moores (28, Southampton, Tattoo Artist)
• Michael Harris (34, Wolverhampton, Stay-at-Home Dad)

Advanced to Knockout Week:

• Sabina Khan
• Jhané Gibson
• Jim Jayawardena

Latest Eliminations Breakdown: Quarter-Final 1

Challenge 1: Pancake Test
Contestants chose from Japanese soufflé, French crêpes, or American stacks.

• Sabina’s Korean-style pancake and Jhané’s sweet version impressed.
• Michael’s presentation and texture issues stood out negatively.
• Rosdip’s flavours didn’t harmonise well.

Challenge 2: Critic’s Brief – Salad (Judged by Jay Rayner)

• Sabina Khan — “Amazing salad” with chicken skin, black chickpeas (kala chana), quail eggs, garlic confit, mustard oil, and more. Highly praised.
• Jhané Gibson — Thai-inspired grilled pork salad — “Exactly what I was hoping for.”
• Jim Jayawardena — Tuna Niçoise (missing eggs) — mixed feedback but advanced.
• Maddie Moores — Lime & chipotle crab salad — seen more as hors d’oeuvres than a cohesive salad.
• Rosedip Rai — Nepalese-inspired salad with buckwheat and tamarind dressing — judges criticised balance and dressing.
• Michael Harris — Spanish-inspired cod salad with saffron, mandarin, and purple tortilla — overcooked elements, clashing flavours; Jay Rayner said it “didn’t work.”

Grace and Anna sent Sabina, Jhané, and Jim through.

Remaining Contestants & Current Status

Strong contenders still in include Sabina Khan (Bangladeshi-origin environmental consultant known for her “Flavour Lab” and “Bullets of Joy” piyaju), Jhané Gibson, Jim Jayawardena, and winners from subsequent heats (e.g., Amy Wilson, Luca Greco, and more from Heat 2+).

More heats and quarter-finals are airing this week.

What Happens Next? Schedule & Predictions

• Next episodes: Tuesday 28 April, Wednesday & Thursday (new heats + fish finger sandwich challenge).
• Knockout Week follows soon after.
• Expect more triple (or group) eliminations as numbers narrow.

Predictions: Sabina Khan’s authentic, bold flavours position her as a fan favourite for deep runs. Watch for standout technical cooks in upcoming rounds.

This tracker will be updated after every episode. Bookmark it and check back regularly!

Sources: BBC, TV Guide, MasterChef Fandom Wiki, Entertainment Daily, and official coverage (as of 29 April 2026). Recipes and dish details are based on public judge feedback and contestant highlights.