Justin and Will secure first MKR grand final spot as Danielle and Marko leave the competition

Justin and Will have claimed the first My Kitchen Rules grand final spot after WA couple Danielle and Marko were eliminated from the competition on Sunday night.

Despite their elimination, the West Aussies said the show has helped them fall even further in love with cooking with Danielle even leaving behind her career as a disability support worker to focus on food while Marko said his attention remains on building their house.

The first semi-final saw both teams deliver standout dishes in the kitchen, but it was the NSW dads, who made bold, high-risk decisions, that ultimately scored higher.

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“It was probably the worst-case scenario in terms of who we had to verse (sic) in the semi-final,” Marko told 7NEWS.com.au.

“I think Justin and Will are the strongest team, but that sort of took the pressure off us a little because we weren’t expected to win.”

With just two knockout courses to impress the judges, both teams had two hours to prepare their mains and one hour for dessert.

Justin and Will doubled down with the riskiest dish of the competition — a daring Sri Lankan tripe curry with carrot sambal and paratha, followed by a technically challenging dessert.

Manu called it “a very ballsy dish” while Colin praised their ambition.

Danielle and Marko were eliminated on Sunday night but the team from Perth are proud of what they plated up. Credit: Dylan Coker/ITVJustin and Will took a risk with their tripe curry, which ultimately paid off. Credit: Dylan Coker/ITV

Danielle and Marko leaned into their strengths, serving an Asian-inspired main of miso-glazed salmon with soba noodles and a smashed cucumber salad.

After mains, Manu and Colin announced Justin and Will were narrowly in the lead — meaning it all came down to dessert.

Danielle and Marko plated up a pandan meringue, while Justin and Will went all in with a daring chocolate soufflé that had them racing against the clock.

In the end, the judges declared Justin and Will the winners, sending them through to the grand finale.

NSW dads Justin and Will will cook in the grand final. Credit: Dylan Coker/ITV

Despite missing out, Danielle said they had no regrets.

“We were really proud and happy with what we cooked,” she said.

“We just weren’t the better cooks on the night. The boys did better and made it through to the grand final.”

Marko added that by this stage of the competition, their focus was on enjoying the experience.

“We were underdogs in the situation, so we wanted to make sure we had fun and were present,” he said.

“And I think that was reflected in our food on the night.”

Hearing they had missed out on the grand final was “bittersweet” Danielle admitted.

“We’re so proud of how far we made it, but it’s also sad to get so close and just miss out,” she said.

“But we’re really happy with how we cooked and so happy for the boys.

“They’ve been amazing throughout the entire competition — they deserve it.”

Danielle and Marko left the competition a stronger couple. Credit: Dylan Coker/ITVThe couple said leaving the competition was “bittersweet”. Credit: Dylan Coker/ITV

Reflecting on their MKR journey, the couple — who have been together for seven years — said the competition had brought them closer.

“At the start, we were so focused on doing a good job that we didn’t realise how the experience was affecting our relationship,” Marko said.

“I’m quite laser-focused on one task at a time, while Danielle is trying to get as much done as possible.

“We realised we balance each other out. I think we walked out of the competition much stronger.”

Danielle added cooking for Manu and Colin was “unreal” and their feedback helped her see cooking in a new light.

While she joked that they’re “back to packaged noodles and not making noodles from scratch every night” she said the MKR experience has only deepened their love of food.

Since filming wrapped, Danielle has left her full-time job as a disability employment services officer to pursue her passion for travel and food writing through her Instagram Dining with Danz.

And after fellow contestants Michael and Rielli got engaged post-show, could another MKR proposal be on the cards?

Marko laughed: “We’re currently building a house and have a lot going on… so ask me again in 10 years.”

Tomorrow on MKR, the last spot in the grand final is up for grabs, as Logan besties Lol and Lil go head-to-head with boss friends Maria and Bailey.

My Kitchen Rules continues 7.30pm Monday on Seven and 7plus.

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