Penny Lancaster experienced an emotional evening on Friday as she narrowly missed advancing to the semi-final of Celebrity MasterChef. Her butternut squash ravioli was served 15 minutes late, which ultimately cost her a spot in the next round.

Although her dish received generally favorable feedback from three Celebrity MasterChef icons—2011 winner Phil Vickery, 2008 finalist Andi Peters, and 2009 Christmas champion Craig Revel-Horwood—it wasn’t enough to secure her progression in the competition.

Judge Greg Wallace highlighted her timing issue, describing it as a ‘serious’ concern while Lancaster anxiously awaited the judges’ verdict.

‘Everything piled on top of me’: Emotional Penny Lancaster was sent home from MasterChef on Friday after dishing up late

Reflecting on the experience, Lancaster acknowledged her emotional state: “Everything just piled on top of me. I hope the wait was worth it,” she expressed.

During the preparation of her starter, Lancaster revealed that her choice to create braised endives with orange juice, walnuts, and feta cheese was inspired by a memorable dining experience shared with her husband, rock icon Rod Stewart.

‘There’s a really romantic restaurant in Los Angeles that my husband and I go to. It was a starter that we both chose and we’ve loved ever since,’ she admitted.

Tough work: Despite getting mostly positive reviews from three Celebrity MasterChef legends, Phil Vickery, Andi Peters and Craig Revel-Horwood, it wasn’t enough

Semi-finalist: Penny’s best efforts just didn’t suffice, however, with her fellow quarter-finalists, Megan McKenna (left) and presenter Melanie Sykes (right)  taking the semi-final spots

Uh oh: The wife of Rod Stewart found herself behind schedule as she prepared her ravioli dish

Being honest: Judge Greg Wallace called Penny’s lack of timekeeping ‘serious’, whilst she sat nervously awaiting their feedback

Influenced decisions: The wife of rock legend Rod Stewart revealed during her starter prep the choice to whip up braised endives with orange juice, was inspired by a night of good food

Penny’s best efforts just didn’t suffice, however, with her fellow quarter-finalists, television personality Megan McKenna and presenter Melanie Sykes taking the semi-final places.

Megan prepared beef wellington, with Melanie rustling up a pancetta and chickpea salad in the hope of impressing the star-studded panel. 

Prior to finding out she wasn’t through to the anticipated semi-final, Penny disclosed that she would feel ‘quite deflated’ if she went home because ‘she was loving this.’ 

Nervous wait: Greg, along with co judge John Torode, announced the results to the hopeful trio, and emotions ran high

Greg, along with co-judge John Torode, announced the results to the hopeful trio, and emotions ran high.  

Megan was the first to be told she was through, with Melanie then snatching the final place. 

Post-results, a choked Penny said: ‘It would’ve been incredible to get through to the semi finals but it wasn’t meant to be. Absolutely no regrets whatsoever. I’ve always loved to eat food, never loved to cook – and now I love both.’ 

Masterchef continues on Monday at 9pm on BBC1.  

Gutted: Post-results, a choked Penny said: ‘It would’ve been incredible to get through to the semi finals but it wasn’t meant to be. Absolutely no regrets whatsoever. I’ve always loved to eat food, never loved to cook – and now I love both’