Recap | MKR on Channel 7 S15E21 – MKR semi-finalists locked and loaded. Danielle and Marko clinch the last spot as Mark and Tan’s dessert disaster spells elimination
Tonight on Seven and 7plus, the final spot in the MKR semi-finals was decided after a dramatic Ultimate Instant Restaurant saw competitive mates Mark and Tan eliminated from the competition.
With tensions simmering and expectations high, Mark and Tan’s ambitious Thai fusion dishes couldn’t overcome missteps, including two dessert disasters.
Mark and Tan fell short with a total score of 56 out of 100 making Danielle and Marko, the loved-up couple from Western Australia, the final team to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Joining them in the top four are NSW dads Justin and Will, Queensland besties Lol and Lil, and boss friends from South Australia, Maria and Bailey, who earlier in the week survived their own high-pressure cook and remain determined to rise above their strategic scoring admission that has dominated the table talk.
Mark and Tan entered their final cook with bold intentions: a Thai-inspired menu with creative twists and a high-energy vibe.
Their entrées of Pork and Prawn Dumplings with Thai Red Curry Sauce and Tuna Tartare with Fried Seaweed Crisps impressed some guests and judges, with Colin and Manu both awarding eights for the starters.
However, the momentum faltered during the mains and fell apart for dessert.
The Pad See Ew with Grilled Steak and the Pan-Seared Duck with Chilli Orange Sauce drew criticism for lack of cohesion and execution. Both judges scored their main a six as Colin noted the Pad See Ew felt like “two separate dishes”, while Manu found the duck dish lacking in balance and flavour.
Both desserts proved their undoing, with undercooked Boozy Bitter Orange Steamed Puddings and an overbaked Thai Milk Tea Tart failing to deliver the wow factor Mark and Tan needed to stay in the competition.
Tan admitted: “It’s heartbreaking to hear we messed up and we’ve just got to pay the price.” Mark added: “We didn’t deliver tonight, but it’s been an awesome experience, so we’ll walk out with our heads held high.”
Thrilled to make the semi-finals, Danielle said: “I’m so proud of us, a little bit in shock to be honest.”
Now, the race to the MKR 2025 Grand Final is officially here.
Sunday:MKR’s unmissable semi-final week begins as Justin and Will, Danielle and Marko, Maria and Bailey and Lol and Lil fight for a spot in the Grand Final.
| Judges’ Scores | Entrée | Main | Dessert | |
| Manu Feildel | 8/10 | 6/10 | 4/10 | 18/30 |
| Colin Fassnidge | 8/10 | 6/10 | 3/10 | 17/30 |
| Total Score | 35/60 | |||
| MKR Team Scores | |
| Danielle and Marko | 7/10 |
| Lol and Lil | 4/10 |
| Justin and Will | 5/10 |
| Maria and Bailey | 5/10 |
| Total Score | 21/40 |
| Final Scoreboard | |
| Justin and Will | 75/100 |
| Lol and Lil | 68/100 |
| Maria and Bailey | 65/100 |
| Danielle and Marko | 62/100 |
| Mark and Tan | 56/100 |
MKR semi-finals start Sunday 7.00pm on Seven and 7plus
Media Release – Seven
TV Central Seven content HERE
Recap | MKR on Channel 7 S15E21
About the Show
Get ready, Australia – the table is set, and the heat is back on!
A brand-new season of My Kitchen Rules returns to Seven and 7plus at 7.30pm on Monday, 1 September.
This year, MKR is serving up more than just food. Real kitchens, real stories and unforgettable flavours – MKR celebrates the heart of home cooking.
The competition is fierce, the stakes are high and the pressure is on.
Presiding over the table, culinary icons Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge return as co-hosts and judges, united by friendship and a shared passion for discovering Australia’s top home culinary talent.
Manu said:
“Cooking continues to evolve – in households across Australia and around the world. This year’s MKR contestants bring new recipes, fresh ingredients and innovative tactics and techniques. We’re in for a very interesting season around the dinner table.”
Added Colin:
“There are many different personalities at the table, all firing at 110%. Also upping the ante this year, we have some controversial dishes, one in particular that will divide the table and the nation.”
From cherished family recipes passed down through generations to bold new twists on traditional favourites, this season is a celebration of heritage, heart and homegrown talent.
Expect big personalities, bigger flavours and a whole lot of sugar and spice on the plate and around the table.
