Irish cook Alison O'Reilly has wowed the judges once again on the BBC's MasterChef and has gone "straight through" to the final four of the show.
In the first episode of Finals Week on Monday night, the Dubliner had judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace in raptures with her cooking.
After cooking a Pumpkin Pie with Maple Bacon and White Truffle as part of a dinner for US Ambassador to Britain Matthew Barzun and his guests at the Ambassador's residence Winfield House in London, O'Reilly returned to the MasterChef kitchen for her next challenge.
There, she was tasked with creating "one great plate of food inspired by someone or something you admire".
London-based marketing consultant O'Reilly decided to celebrate Roald Dahl's classic children's tale Fantastic Mr Fox with a Duck Breast with Cider Reduction, Duck Liver Doughnuts, Smoked Mash Potato and Carrot and Apple Purée.
Judge Torode described the idea as being both "really clever" and "risky".
However, when plated up, any fears that O'Reilly's creation would not hit the spot proved unfounded.
Tissues at the ready... When feedback from the judges is THIS good, it's only going to get emotional. 👏 #MasterChefUK pic.twitter.com/UixRSHC2c9
— MasterChef UK 🍴 (@MasterChefUK) May 8, 2017
Torode said he was "stunned" by the quality of the dish, while Wallace said he was "absolutely in love with that doughnut" in "a very lovely dish".
When the judges began their deliberations, O'Reilly was their first choice for the next stage of 'Finals Week', which takes the four remaining contestants to South Africa.
"I believe Alison today just shone," said Torode. "It was truly special. It stirred emotion. I loved it. It was delicious. Alison is going straight through."
Ultimately, the judges decided that Lorna Robertson was the contestant to miss out on a place on the plane.
"Congratulations final four." Giovanna, Saliha, Steve and Alison better get packing for Cape Town... ✈️ 🇿🇦🐯🐘 #MasterChefUK pic.twitter.com/u49uKWYFeE
— MasterChef UK 🍴 (@MasterChefUK) May 8, 2017
Speaking afterwards about making the final four, O'Reilly said: "I genuinely cannot get my head around it. It is absolutely insane. This is, by far, one of the greatest experiences of my life."
You can follow O'Reilly's adventure in Cape Town when MasterChef returns to BBC One on Wednesday night at 8pm.
Very happy tears. What an incredible moment...thank you for your the amazing feedback @JohnTorode1 and @GreggAWallace ☺️#MasterChefUK https://t.co/A3a7vsKGpo
— Alison O'Reilly (@AlisonPOReilly) May 8, 2017
