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MKR just started and the claws are OUT!

Do not mess with Romel and Sophia...
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Whether you’re a fan of cooking, reality TV or just good old fashioned drama, this year’s season of My Kitchen Rules has something for you. 

WATCH: Did he or didn’t he?

Kicking off tonight, the hit reality show has taken a dramatic twist, with the pairs being lumped into two teams – the newcomers (aka House of Colin) vs. the former MKR contestants (House of Manu). 

And within moments of sitting down at the dinner table, sparks were flying amongst the newbies and the old-hands.

MKR judges
(Credit: Channel 7)

You might remember Sophia and Romel from previous seasons – or, more specifically, their no-BS attitudes and complete lack of filters, which caused a serious stir in their respective kitchens.

Well, they’ve ditched their old partners and teamed up together – and hardly surprisingly, found themselves at the centre of the first episode’s non-cooking-related drama.

MKR Sophia Romel
(Credit: Channel 7)

Quizzing newcomer and professional poker player Mark about his strategy going into the competition, Romel made the claim that ‘everyone’ at the table had a plan for how to win the fiercest cook-off on tele.

But when Romel shared his own plan of attack for the upcoming season, some of the teams were horrified…

If somebody [on the opposing team] cooks well, then you’re gonna score them to save [your own] house” he said 

(To be fair, he was being totally transparent about his approach. Gotta give him that, right?)

MKR Sophia Romel
(Credit: Channel 7)

The confession didn’t sit too well with new cooks Kerry and Kaylene, who accused Romel and Sophia of ‘playing dirty’.

“I’m here to make sure I win…” added Romel, prompting Kerry to cry out, 

“By cheating!”

Sophia had her partner’s back (duh), reminding the girls that they’re in a competition for a prize that could change their lives…

(Correct.)

Which prompted Kaylene to say she would play the game and aim to win without being “a nasty b-tch”.

Ouch.

MKR Kerry Kaylene
(Credit: Channel 7)

“Are you calling me a b-tch?” Sophia asked, outraged, as Kaylene threw her hands in the air as if to say, ‘if the shoe fits’.

In a piece to camera, Romel called the move “ballsy” and Sophia admitted it’s an “accurate description” – but both felt it was way too soon in the competition for name calling.

“I’m not being nasty!” said Sophia justifying her plan of action. 

“I am just making a statement.”  

MKR Romel
(Credit: Channel 7)

Not surprisingly, the other teams were shocked at how quickly the fight escalated.

That got dark so quick!” quipped one of the boys. 

This season there’s a change to the hit cooking competition, with five returning MKR teams mentored by Manu Feildel taking on five new teams mentored by Colin Fassnidge.

With tensions already reaching boiling point, it’s not just the teams fighting it out: Colin admits he will do anything for bragging rights over Manu.

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