In a nail-biting finale that left viewers on the edge of their seats, My Kitchen Rules crowned its 2025 champions in what’s being hailed as the closest Grand Final ever. Justin and Will, the dynamic duo known as the 'Dining Dads,' emerged victorious, clinching the $100,000 prize after a culinary battle that went down to the wire. But here's where it gets controversial—was their win truly deserved, or did Maria and Bailey deserve the top spot? Let’s dive into the details.
The final cook-off saw Justin and Will score an impressive 73 out of 80, edging out Maria and Bailey by a mere single point. The tension was palpable as the judges, Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge, praised both teams for their exceptional skills. Colin even declared it 'one of the most exciting cooks I’ve seen in a Grand Final in a long time.' Yet, the slim margin of victory has sparked debates among fans—did the judges make the right call?
Emotions ran high throughout the episode. Will, overcome with joy, exclaimed, 'I can't believe we’ve won the title,' while Justin admitted, 'I can’t stop shaking.' In a heartfelt moment, Will teared up, saying, 'To have our families with us, we hope we did them proud.' Justin added, 'We’ve accomplished what we set out to do. We made our kids proud; we made ourselves proud. That’s amazing.' And this is the part most people miss—the sacrifices these contestants made, like Justin’s emotional reflection on being away from his family: 'We’ve sacrificed our family life to be here in this competition.'
Both teams pulled out all the stops, crafting four intricate courses: a canapé, seafood, meat, and dessert. Justin and Will’s menu showcased a fusion of heritage and modern flair, while Maria and Bailey’s dishes exuded elegance with a personal twist. Bailey, gracious in defeat, praised his partner: 'To be able to do what we did today is truly incredible.'
Highlights from the Dining Dads’ menu included their Smoked Ham Hock and Gruyère Croquette with Sauce Gribiche, which Colin praised for its 'perfect flavour,' despite a minor sauce mishap. Their seafood course, a South African Pickled Kingfish with Brioche and Green Papaya Chutney, was a touching tribute to Justin’s father, though the brioche’s failure to rise cost them a perfect score. Their Red Wine and Rosemary Braised Beef Short Rib earned near-perfect marks, with Manu raving about the meat’s tenderness. But it was their Dubai Chocolate Éclair dessert that stole the show, with Colin comparing it to a high-end restaurant creation.
Here’s the controversial question: Did Justin and Will’s innovative approach truly outshine Maria and Bailey’s refined elegance? While the judges seemed convinced, some viewers argue that Maria and Bailey’s consistency and sophistication deserved the win. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a friendly debate!
