Tiffany and Giancarlo have spoken out after an explosive walkout on My Kitchen Rules, saying tensions escalated when a discussion about the “acid” level in a salad led Alisha to leave the dinner table.
The confrontation unfolded during Angus and Simon’s instant restaurant, where Alisha challenged Tiffany over her use of food terminology. Judge Colin Fassnidge quickly corrected Alisha before the exchange intensified.
Giancarlo, 41, said he had tried to remain restrained as Alisha turned on Tiffany.
“For whatever reason, Alisha was confused or didn’t understand,” he said. “And then it’s pretty clear she has a go at Tiffany.”
Tiffany, 37, said she believed Alisha had misunderstood several culinary terms being discussed around the table and had reacted after thinking Tiffany had made a mistake.
“So when she thought I misspoke, she really did give it her all to try to make me look and feel silly,” Tiffany said.
She claimed the pair had been subjected to mocking, interruptions and opposing criticism from Alisha and Deanne throughout the meal, although she said she did not know what had triggered the behaviour.
“And then finally it got to this point where I made a comment on the main salad regarding the acid level and you know, it blew up,” Tiffany said.
She said the dispute had been confusing and upsetting, insisting that she had not intended to make anyone feel excluded or embarrassed.
“When all of that was happening, honestly, I was just holding it together,” Tiffany said. “My heart was in my throat. I was shaking. I wanted to cry, to be honest, but I was like, don’t add fuel to the fire. Hold it together.”
She credited Giancarlo with supporting her during the confrontation, saying their respect for the judges, the other contestants and the competition had stopped them from responding more forcefully.
The couple said there was no opportunity to resolve the dispute with Alisha and Deanne after filming ended. That left Tiffany anxious when the South Australian mothers became the next team to host an instant restaurant.
“There was no reconciliation, nor explanation,” Tiffany said. “Anxiety was definitely high and I was so uncomfortable going into there.”
Despite the tension, she said the pair tried to approach the meal with a fresh mindset and put the earlier argument aside. Tiffany added that Fassnidge had absorbed much of the criticism from Alisha and handled the situation well.
My Kitchen Rules airs on Monday and Tuesday at 7.30pm on Seven and 7plus.
