The MasterChef judges praise contestant Brent Draper after he serves them fried chicken and beers

MasterChef judges praise contestant Brent Draper after he serves them fried chicken and beers

Brent Draper struck a chord with the MasterChef judges when he presented them with fried chicken and beers during Wednesday’s episode.

The 31-year-old boilermaker admitted he was nervous to serve the judges his meal, describing it as ‘a really tough cook’.

But he had nothing to worry about, with the show’s judges unable to contain their excitement when he pulled out three beers.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner: Brent Draper (centre) struck a chord with the MasterChef judges when he presented them with fried chicken and beers during Wednesday’s episode. Pictured with Melissa Leong (left) and Jock Zonfrillo (right)

‘He did not! He did not!’ exclaimed Andy Allen, before happily clinking cans with fellow judges Jock Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong.

‘I couldn’t bring the kegs, but a can will do,’ Brent told them, as Melissa, 39, confessed, ‘Not a bad day at the office.’ 

The show’s contestants had been tasked with cooking food that reflected the city of Melbourne as they continued their road trip around Australia.

Serving up smiles: The 31-year-old boilermaker admitted he was nervous to serve the judges his meal, describing it as 'a really tough cook'

Serving up smiles: The 31-year-old boilermaker admitted he was nervous to serve the judges his meal, describing it as ‘a really tough cook’

Cheers to that: He had nothing to worry about, with the show's judges unable to contain their excitement when he pulled out three beers

Cheers to that: He had nothing to worry about, with the show’s judges unable to contain their excitement when he pulled out three beers

Brent explained that he’d been inspired by Melbourne’s Hosier Lane, which is renowned for its street art. 

After tasting the dish, Melissa acknowledged that Brent had taken a gamble by delivering them fried chicken.

‘I think collectively per year, the three of us eat close to a metric tonne of fried chicken – we eat a lot,’ she explained. 

Constructive criticism: Andy Allen (pictured) branded it 'pretty bloody good', but admitted it could've done with 'some salt in that buttermilk'

Constructive criticism: Andy Allen (pictured) branded it ‘pretty bloody good’, but admitted it could’ve done with ‘some salt in that buttermilk’

'He did not! He did not!' exclaimed Andy, before happily clinking cans with fellow judges Jock Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong

‘He did not! He did not!’ exclaimed Andy, before happily clinking cans with fellow judges Jock Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong

‘And in order for fried chicken to be presented to us, then for it to be successful, it was going to have to be fantastic. And I think it really was fantastic.’

Andy, 33, branded it ‘pretty bloody good’, but admitted it could’ve done with ‘some salt in that buttermilk’.

Despite winning praise from the judges, Jock, 44, noticed that Brent still appeared to be worried. 

Taking inspiration: Brent explained that he'd been inspired by Melbourne's Hosier Lane, which is renowned for its street art

Taking inspiration: Brent explained that he’d been inspired by Melbourne’s Hosier Lane, which is renowned for its street art

‘No one’s going home today… You alright? Like, you know that’s good, right? Smile,’ Jock reassured him.

The Scottish chef then walked over to Brent and said, ‘Give us a bloody hug,’ before wrapping his arms around him.

Meanwhile, Network 10 last month confirmed that Celebrity MasterChef would be making a welcome return after weeks of rumours.   

Moral support: Jock walked over to Brent and said, 'Give us a bloody hug,' before wrapping his arms around him

Moral support: Jock walked over to Brent and said, ‘Give us a bloody hug,’ before wrapping his arms around him