EXCLUSIVE: Alana explains the ‘unique’ dynamic within this year’s cast.

MasterChef’s Alana Lowes has opened up about the ‘powerful’ scene in Sunday night’s episode. Photos: Channel 10

When it comes to competition reality shows, nothing quite compares to MasterChef Australia. Not only does the winner receive a $250,000 grand prize alongside the coveted title, but the series has also launched the careers of countless well-known personalities in the culinary world.

With such high stakes, you would assume the competition would be as cutthroat as other cooking shows like Top Chef, Iron Chef, and Hell’s Kitchen. Sunday night’s episode, however, was the perfect example of how the Aussie contestants support one another through hardships, even though they are competitors.

Following part one of the elimination challenge, where the contestants had to verse one another in pairs, Laura Sharrad broke down in tears at her bench. Her co-stars Sarah Todd, Snezana Calic, and Alana Lowes quickly rushed to her side to comfort her and offer their words of encouragement.

“You’re doing this with an almost one-year-old little girl,” Alana said, with Snez adding, “You had a baby like, six months ago”.

Viewers flooded social media with comments about the “powerful” moment, with many saying that the camaraderie and kindness shown perfectly summed up why they love watching MasterChef.

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Alana speaks out about emotional scene

While Alana ended up being sent home after going head-to-head with Laura in the second part of the elimination challenge, she tells Yahoo Lifestyle that it was important for her to support her friend in a difficult situation.

“Even if this happened mid-cook, you would have seen us rushing over to her,” she shares. “The MasterChef kitchen is this unique place where battle lines are drawn to win, but swiftly pulled down when someone needs a hand. Laura was upset, and she needed us to rally around her to comfort her.”

Viewers have witnessed many strong friendships form this season, including Sarah and Laura, Jimmy Wong and Audra Morrice, and of course, Alana and Snez.

“We hit it off straight away,” she remarks. “Right from the start, we had apartments next to each other so we just started hanging out. When you have so much in common, especially the way we cook and think about food and family, it creates this really special bond.

“We would always wind down after a stressful challenge with a glass of wine and just chat about anything and everything.”

Snez, Sarah, and Alana all supported Laura during the elimination challenge. Photos: Channel 10

‘Everything happens for a reason’

Alana, who finished third in season three of MasterChef before returning for Back To Win, shares that she was thrilled to have been asked to compete in this year’s season.

“I was saying ‘YES’ before they had even finished asking the question!” she recalls. “I had such an amazing experience 14 years ago on season three that I couldn’t possibly say no. I also felt I was in a really great position, both professionally and personally, to take on the challenge. Perfect timing, really, everything happens for a reason!

“This time around was different being a mum, I had to be hyper-focused when it was challenge time, but once the kitchen tools were down, it was back in mum-mode and FaceTiming the kids”

With the finale now just a couple of weeks away, the ‘Queen of Flavour’ says viewers should be keeping their eye on this year’s “dark horses”: Snez and Ben Macdonald.

“They both can pull out winning dishes when you least expect it!” But I’m thinking our Dessert King, Callum [Hann], has what it takes to go all the way,” she details. “His way of creating Michelin-quality desserts is incredible. Then I’d also love to see my Queensland mate Jamie [Fleming] take out the crown… I’m torn, I want them all to win!”

MasterChef Australia: Back to Win continues Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7:30pm on 10.