My Kitchen Rules Ibby and Romel are the first team to get into the the series ...

My Kitchen Rules' controversial socialites Ibby Moubadder and Romel Kouyan are the first team into this year's Grand Final.   

On Monday night's episode, a sophisticated Middle Eastern menu secured the NSW team a coveted place in the final - with 'frenemies' Pat and Bianca sent home.    

Despite an early struggle against the clock, Ibby and Romel were handed an overall score of 48 for their three dishes, beating Pat and Bianca who secured 42.

'We thought we were going home': My Kitchen Rules Ibby and Romel (pictured) are the first team to get into the series grand final, after winning the cooking challenge on Monday night

'We thought we were going home': My Kitchen Rules Ibby and Romel (pictured) are the first team to get into the series grand final, after winning the cooking challenge on Monday night

The semi-final saw chefs Colin Fassnidge, Karen Martini, Guy Grossi and Liz Egan, join Pete Evans and Manu Feildel at the judging table. 

An emotional Romel wiped tears from his eyes, as the six judges handed down their scores to him and teammate Ibby after the intense cook off.    

'We thought we were going home,' Ibby said, with it a marked change for the Sydney socialites who are normally full of confidence in the kitchen.   

Booted: Victorian 'Frenemies' Pat and Bianca (pictured) got sent home after a strong start in the semi-final with their seared scallops with cauliflower puree and salsa fresca

Booted: Victorian 'Frenemies' Pat and Bianca (pictured) got sent home after a strong start in the semi-final with their seared scallops with cauliflower puree and salsa fresca

Ibby and Romel were then hugged by Pat and Bianca, who failed to impress the judges with their classic Italian fare during the semi-final.      

Ibby and Romel struggled early in the night, with them unable to plate all of the pickles for the entree of Lebanese chicken liver with pickles and Saj. 

A lack of time saw Romel go into a meltdown, with Ibby walking over to comfort his friend: 'It's ok. It's not over,' he said, before they hugged each other.

Rough start: Ibby and Romel served up Lebanese chicken liver with pickles and Saj, with the pair struggling against time and not adding pickles to all of the dishes

Rough start: Ibby and Romel served

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