The friends from Adelaide have been accused of strategically scoring to stay in the competition and now it’s all coming to a head.

It’s set to be an explosive night on My Kitchen Rules, with tensions boiling over before the first course even hits the table.

As Danielle and Marko prepare to serve their Ultimate Instant Restaurant menu, drama erupts when one team dramatically walks out.

After being accused once again of strategic scoring, Maria and Bailey leave the dining room … but will they return before the entrees are served?

The introduction of open scoring — where all teams share their feedback publicly — continues to cause drama at the dinner table.

The friends from Adelaide, SA, have faced repeated accusations of playing the game, often scoring dishes lower than both the judges and their fellow contestants.

Maria and Bailey have been accused of ‘strategically scoring’ to stay in the competition. Maria and Bailey have been accused of ‘strategically scoring’ to stay in the competition. Credit: Seven Network Friends Mark and Tan have repeatedly called out Maria and Bailey for ‘game playing’.Friends Mark and Tan have repeatedly called out Maria and Bailey for ‘game playing’. Credit: Seven Network

During Monday night’s episode at Lol and Lil’s Ultimate Instant Restaurant, outspoken duo Mark and Tan questioned Maria and Bailey’s harsh critique of the poached pear with salted caramel dessert.

Tensions rose when Will also confronted Maria and Bailey about the low scores they gave at his and Justin’s previous dinner.

“There were dishes that were 10s — you guys gave a six. It just seems suss,” he said.

Bailey insisted they were “super honest” in their scoring but when Mark pressed further, Maria admitted they had strategically scored during Amy and Lara’s Instant Restaurant to ensure they stayed in the competition.

“They’ve been playing this game the whole time,” Mark said. “We can see right through it.”

On Tuesday night, the conflict finally hits breaking point as a tense showdown at the dinner table ends with Maria and Bailey walking out — stunning the other contestants.

Maria walks away from the dinner table but will she return?Maria walks away from the dinner table but will she return? Credit: Seven Network Maria and Bailey from Adelaide, SA, have raised eyebrows with their scoring. Maria and Bailey from Adelaide, SA, have raised eyebrows with their scoring. Credit: Seven Network

“Do you think they’ve left the competition?” Will questions.

It all unfolds before Perth couple Danielle and Marko serve their first dish.

Speaking ahead of their Ultimate Instant Restaurant, Marko says he and Danielle are determined to prove they’re not just “one-cook wonders”.

After escaping elimination by just one point in a tense cook-off against self-proclaimed meat master Michael and dessert queen Rielli, they’re ready to show they deserve their place in the top five.

Danielle and Marko will cook tonight for their Ultimate Instant Restaurant. Danielle and Marko will cook tonight for their Ultimate Instant Restaurant. Credit: Seven Network

“It was a battle against the couples but we weren’t worried,” Danielle says.

“Marko and I know how we work together in the kitchen and we’re usually really good at communicating.

“Our dynamic was definitely stronger.

“It was a huge relief knowing we got through to the next round.”

Reflecting on what it’s like hearing contestants critique their dishes, Marko says he would rather people be upfront than talk behind his back.

But he admits it can be “tough” when the judges weigh in mid-cook.

“There’s a balance between being respectful and wanting to take the criticism on board because they obviously know a lot more.

“But you also have to stick to your guns.

“It’s tough because in that stressful environment you’ve practised and visualised what you’re going to do, and then now there’s a spanner in the works.

“You don’t want to be disrespectful to the judges but at the same time we’re happy with how we do things and we’re here to win.”