Simon Rogan: "Happy with the texture of the donut?"

Ashleigh: "I'm very happy with how light it's turned out."

Peers, tasting behind the scenes

"I love the apple, actually. And then sat on top of the very sweet toffee. Just great."

Back in the judging room

Simon Rogan: The popcorn ice cream?"

Ashleigh: "It's not quite as smooth as I wanted."

Peers, tasting behind the scenes

"The ice cream looks a touch grainy, but actually on the palette, it's absolutely lovely."

Back in the judging room

Simon Rogan: And the crumb?" 

Ashleigh: "I think with the popping candy, it gives it quite a nostalgic feel."

Peers, tasting behind the scenes

"The pâtes de fruits texture? I like it."

"It's just very softly set. That's really, really lovely."

Back in the judging room

Simon Rogan: And the tuille, does that add anything to it, do you think?

Ashleigh: "I think the horse added a nice texture to the dish and it really helped with the storytelling of the dish."

Simon Rogan: So what would you score this dish?"

Ashleigh: "I think I'd give it an 8 or a 9. I think the ice cream let it down a little bit."

Final Judging

"Ashley, for your dish. Roll up, roll up. The presentation was spectacular. Felt as though the circus was happening right in front of me. The donut was super light. I could have eaten a whole bag of them. The ice cream, as you mentioned, the texture was a little bit off, but that's easily rectified. And the blackberry pates de fruit were fun. A nice sourness to them. A very successful dessert."