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Kelly & Ash quit My Kitchen Rules

Kelly and Ash were forced to quit MKR after Kelly lost vision in her left eye.

Victorian contestants Kelly and Ash Cooke were forced to quit My Kitchen Rules in last night’s episode after Kelly was diagnosed with optic neuritis.

Kelly, 28, lost vision in her left eye during filming before vision disappeared completely.

Working with cooking utensils, boiling water and kitchen equipment jeopardised health and safety, requiring the couple to quit the hit series.

At the top of the Northern Territory episode, hosts Manu and Pete told the remaining teams that the pair would make a shock exit, leading to tears amongst the group.

“It’s too upsetting for me at the moment,” she said before adding, “I’m just really proud of what we’ve done together.”

Husband Ash, 29, added, “We chose to come into this competition to achieve the goal of opening up our own restaurant, learning as much as we possibly could, but over the last few days Kel has gradually lost sight in her left eye and now has none in that eye.”

A sudden-death cook-off with fellow Victorians Kane and Lee was cancelled and replaced by a new group challenge.

It’s not the first time reality contestants have had to quit a series for health reasons. But media reports today quote the couple as saying they are angry they were forced to quit by producers.

Executive Producer Rikkie Proost said, “The health and safety of all our teams is our number one priority. Kelly’s well-being and recovery was our main concern.”

Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve which causes a complete or partial loss of vision.

Kelly has slowly regained her eyesight but doctors say, due to her condition, vision loss could re-occur without warning at any time.

Next week MKR features two eliminations, with one team going home in a 90-minute special on Monday.

17 Responses

  1. I saw these two on Sunrise this morning and the bloke (& kochie) was basically implying that OSH rules are stupid and you can easily cook with one eye – ever heard of a little thing called depth perception mate?

  2. Right decision by the producers but a shame – I rather liked them. I wish them well but it would’ve been tough for them to accept.
    My biggest shock from last week was that Lee has a boyfriend. Don’t get me wrong, I think she’s lovely. Was just surprised, y’know.

  3. Kane plays for the other team, Carol. :p

    I think the producers are correct, in this instance. It’s a shame to see them go, but health and safety must always come first.

  4. On another note – has anyone else noticed that one of the sisters (Sammi & Bella), the shorter one, always stands next to Kane. Also, on the Ghan, when she sat down, she placed both her hands on his thigh!!

  5. I agree with the producers in this instance. Occupational health and safety concerns must come first. If Kelly and Ash had been allowed to continue in the comp and were subsequently injured during a challenge, the production company would have a huge insurance liability on their hands. Yes, it is disappointing for the couple, but to continue with Kelly’s sight compromised to such a degree was just not practical or safe. I thought the departure scene at the top of the program last night was well handled.

  6. Just watching back Tuesday’s episode I noticed you never actually see Kel & Ash on The Ghan. When Pete and Manu were addressing all the teams at the start they aren’t there. You only see them boarding the train, and at the end of the episode. Good luck to both of them and hope Kelly is in good health.

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