My Kitchen Rules couple Danielle and Marko stunned the competition with the highest score of the season and a menu that left rivals rattled.

Round two of My Kitchen Rules fired up on Tuesday night with fireworks both on and off the plate, as Western Australian gatecrasher couple Danielle and Marko stormed the competition with a sizzling score of 84 out of 110 – the highest of the season so far.

Danielle and Marko’s record-breaking score on My Kitchen Rules has cemented them as frontrunners in a season already brimming with drama. (image – Channel 7)

The pair, dubbed the “lovebirds” of the contest, silenced early doubts about their confidence by plating up a feast that impressed judges while keeping the mood light at the table.

They were joined by fellow Gatecrashers – South Australian best mates Mark and Tan, and Queensland divorcees Amy and Lara – who arrived ready to stir the pot. The original teams still in the hunt, Michael and Rielli, Lol and Lil, and Maria and Bailey, weren’t about to let the newcomers steal the spotlight without a fight.

Tensions didn’t take long to boil. Opinionated Michael threw out an early warning, telling the fresh teams not to “get too comfortable.”

A Feast of Hits and Near Misses

In the kitchen, Danielle and Marko kicked things off with Spicy Ahi Tuna on Crispy Rice. Colin Fassnidge gave it a seven, saying it looked sharp but “needed more heat and flavour.” Manu Feildel liked the rice as a vessel and scored it eight, but agreed it could have packed more punch.

The main, Slow Roasted Pork Belly with Soy and Ginger Noodles, was the night’s shining star. Marko’s crackling technique paid off, with Colin calling the pork “beautiful and succulent” while giving it an eight. Manu went further, scoring it nine and declaring the flavours the “tastiest” he’s had this season, despite slightly overcooked noodles.

Dessert sealed their victory. A Miso Brownie with Sesame Ice Cream and Miso Caramel Sauce scored nines from both judges. Manu admitted,

“I could eat that all night.”

Colin agreed, saying it was “an excellent finish.”

My Kitchen Rules couple Danielle and Marko stunned the competition with the highest score of the season and a menu that left rivals rattled. (image – Channel 7)

Table Talk Turns Testy

The drama wasn’t just on the plates. Amy and Lara kept the group guessing, refusing to disclose their cooking background. Amy cryptically admitted she’d “cooked for billionaires” but offered no more.

Meanwhile, Mark and Tan came under fire when Michael questioned whether Tan’s role running multiple bars and restaurants meant he’d ever worked in a kitchen. When Mark stepped in to defend his mate, Michael jabbed with, “Is Tan a puppet?”

Maria also fielded criticism over her cookie business, quickly clarifying she’s a home baker.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Danielle and Marko’s consistency delivered them a total judges’ score of 50 out of 60.

Manu Feildel: 26/30 (Entrée 8, Main 9, Dessert 9)
Colin Fassnidge: 24/30 (Entrée 7, Main 8, Dessert 9)

At the table, team votes added another 34 out of 50, cementing the couple firmly on top with 84 points overall.

Mark and Tan: 7
Michael and Rielli: 6
Maria and Bailey: 7
Amy and Lara: 8
Lol and Lil: 6

With sparks flying and rivalries brewing, the lovebirds may be leading now, but the season is shaping up to be anything but smooth sailing.