MasterChef judge Andy Allen called out over rogue advice to teenage contestant

The Relay Challenge sees contestants divided into teams of four, with each person separated during the challenge.

(Channel 10)

MasterChef fans have defended a 19-year-old’s decision to pivot his team halfway through a “notorious” challenge and criticised judge Andy Allen for his controversial advice.

The Relay Challenge sees contestants divided into teams of four, and each member of the team has to cook part of the dish.

They have 20 minutes to get stuck into the food before handing over the reins to another teammate, and they only have 30 seconds to give them a handover.

It’s supposed to test communication and the ability to create a cohesive dish.

Luke Harris was the third cook on his team, with Alyona Iljuhhina and Olaolu Olorunnimbe as the first two.

When Luke took over, the plan was to cook a Greek-style chicken with a side salad and potatoes.

But when the teenager arrived, he didn’t think the hero ingredient of yoghurt had been added, and he had “no idea what the dish” was.

He hurriedly began to work on a tzatziki when he was approached by judges Andy Allen and Jean-Christophe Novelli.

Andy called the dish “mediocre” and told Luke that if he didn’t think it ranked in the top, he needed to do something about it.

Luke then pivoted dramatically and started whipping up calamari for the next contestant, Lydia Kamperos, to pull together.

Andy was then seen questioning the decision while talking to the other judges, and Alyona and Olaolu were also surprised at the sudden change.

When it came to the judges tasting it, it did not go well.

Jean-Christophe called the pivot “brave”.

“I’m sorry, guys, I wanted to love this,” Andy said.

Luke was remorseful, saying he felt responsible for the team missing out on the immunity pin.

But Aussie viewers defended Luke’s actions and said it wouldn’t have happened if Andy didn’t say anything.

“A bit harsh from Andy, considering he told Luke to pivot,” one said.

“Luke was in a no-win situation. The judges straight up said the dish would not win if he did nothing drastic, but if he goes rogue to fix it he gets grilled for altering the dish,” added another.

“Andy saying that to Luke like he wasn’t the trigger,” wrote a third.

“Luke got shafted by the judges’ advice,” a third said.