It was the first elimination of the season on MasterChef Australia on Monday night.

And in a surprising turn of events, a contestant who served nothing but a single pancake has made it to the next round.

Things went from bad to worse for cook Jackie when, in her rush, she failed to plate her duck breast.

As the clock ticked down to the final seconds, she placed her shallot pancake on the plate, but forgot the meat.

That left the hapless chef serving only the lone pancake to the panel of judges.

While what she did serve got a good review and favourable comments, Jackie still ended up in the bottom two.

Things went from bad to worse for cook Jackie (pictured) when, in her rush, she failed to plate her duck breast

That left the hapless chef serving only the lone pancake to the panel of judges

However, it was Meg who was eliminated, despite serving up an abundance of food for the judges.

Meg made three separate dishes, presenting an absolute spread.

However, her unimpressive prawns were her undoing, with judges telling Meg that she should have concentrated on one dish done well instead of three less impressive selections.

Meg was sent home, and Jackie survives another week to try again.

It is not the only mishap that has occurred early in the 2026 season, after one unfortunate contestant faced the horrified judges when he served them raw chicken.

In last Tuesday’s episode, Jake proudly approached the panel with his fried chicken dish with fennel and tamarind, chilli and lime.

But as soon as judge Andy Allen cut into the hunk of thigh, which looked well done on the outside, the meat inside was bright pink.

‘I’ve got bad news, the chicken is under, mate,’ Allen told a devastated Jake.

However, it was Meg (pictured) who was eliminated, despite serving up an abundance of food for the judges

Meg made three separate dishes, presenting an absolute spread

Allen then explained that the judges would not even be able to sample the meal.

‘I’m devo for you, because the look, the smell…’ the judge said, trailing off and visibly troubled.

‘I’m sorry, but raw chicken, we really can’t taste the dish,’ he added.

Jake was unfortunately eliminated from the show and sent home, and will not advance to the top 24.

There were also wild scenes on Monday night as a contestant took the risk of serving the judges a sandwich.

Vinnie, who dreams of opening his own sandwich shop, was competing for one of the last white aprons in the final round to make the top 24.

He was making every element from scratch — from the bread, to the cheese, to the porchetta, leaving the judges impressed.

Vinnie’s risk was rewarded and he advanced in the competition.