This year’s MasterChef winner has opened up about the bizarre finale filming requirement, which saw both contestants have to fake different endings.
MasterChef Australia winner Laura Sharrad has offered a glimpse into the unusual filming process for the show’s finale.
The Adelaide-based restaurateur claimed victory on Tuesday night’s Channel 10 finale, finally taking the title after finishing as runner-up twice on previous all-star seasons.
Speaking to news.com.au, Sharrad revealed that she and fellow finalist Callum Hann had to shoot alternate endings in the Melbourne kitchen late last year. The pair had to act out both winning and losing scenarios after an intense, hours-long competition a process many viewers consider “cruel.”
Laura Sharrad described the strange experience of filming multiple endings for MasterChef Australia.
“The first time I did this, there were two endings, so I kind of knew what to expect,” she said. “It’s like: one of you goes first, one wins first, you give a winning speech, then the confetti gets cleaned up, and we shoot round two. And of course, you also do a losing speech. A bit of acting is required and our acting skills aren’t great. We’re cooks, not actors.”
She added that while the process felt “very, very weird,” it’s necessary to protect the show and prevent leaks. “It’s such a long production, and everyone works so hard to get to the end. Some might say it’s a little cruel not knowing what’s happening, but it’s the best way to keep the secret and ensure all the hard work pays off.”
Sharrad later learned she had won in a much more low-key setting. “It was a very casual conversation with the producers and Callum that was it,” she said.
“A very small amount of people in a room. And we just got told … They were just like, ‘Laura, you’re our winner.’
“So it was very casual. But it was nice to also have that moment with Callum, just the two of us there. We both have been runner up, so we both know that feeling. We’ve gone through the competition twice together. So, you know, as lovely as it would have been to have that moment in real time, just to have that one-on-one time with Callum was really special.”
As part of her prize, Laura Sharrad, who runs two restaurants in Adelaide, is still waiting for the $250,000 cash prize to hit her account. Her plan for the money is refreshingly relatable.
“I’m going to take a screenshot of my bank account, just so I’ve got that memento forever,” she said.
As for what comes next, she admitted, “I actually don’t know. I’ve thought about it a little, but I’m stuck. If anyone has suggestions, let me know. I think I’ll just sit on it for a while and see what happens maybe a business venture if the right opportunity comes along, but otherwise I’ll just let it be for now.”
Returning to the MasterChef kitchen for the third time, things were very different for Laura, who welcomed her first child, daughter Florence, with husband Max in April last year. She revealed that she was still breastfeeding during filming and had barely slept, balancing motherhood with the demands of the competition.
Laura Sharrad reflected on how different this season was compared to her previous two attempts.
“The two times before, it was just me, and I could fully dedicate myself to the process. This time was definitely harder,” she said. “I had an amazing support system, a wonderful nanny, and I was still breastfeeding throughout the season. Physically, I couldn’t fully commit.”
She laughed at the challenge of balancing exhaustion with performance: “Looking back, I’m like, ‘what was I doing?’ When I slept, I didn’t cook well, but with just an hour or two of sleep, I was on.”
Before the finale, Laura was laser-focused, delivering near-perfect dishes. “I was probably the calmest I’ve ever been in that kitchen,” she said. “My friends wouldn’t believe me they think I’m chaos but there was this strange energy. My brain was telling my body: this is your one shot, your last opportunity. Go in and give it everything.”
Laura confirmed she won’t return as a contestant in future seasons, but promised fans she’ll be back as a guest judge.