"My Kitchen Rules" ousted contestant Mick Newell has hit out at the show for ramping up the controversy to hit big ratings. The Tasmanian dad, who played with son Matt on the show, said the show highlighted the antics of some contestants, particularly Ashlee Pham and Sophia Pou, to win the ratings war.

Mick was dismayed that the producers of the show decided to give attention to the tricks of some of the contestants, adding that they didn't need to play such controversy on air because there are young viewers who watch the show.

"I didn't like the bitchiness in it and I didn't like the Ashlee and Sophia comments," he told the Daily Telegraph. "I know it (Ashlee and Sophia) was probably controversial and got publicity and everything, but I think just as many people would have watched it (MKR) without it as did with it.

"I really do think it would be a lot better show without that."

He added, "A lot of children watch this show and I just don't think it (bad behaviour) is a good thing to have on there for them You might get a few influenced to be like that - it's not a good thing,"

Mick and son Matt were first eliminated on March 11, but came back for the Comeback Kitchen Week 3. They were re-eliminated in the semi-finals after losing to siblings Jake and Elle Harrison on Wednesday night.

As for losing to the other team, the dad graciously accepted the result, admitting that they made a blunder with their crusted lamb.

"Jake and Elle were better cooks, but if we had got our lamb right, the result would have been really close."

There's no regret, though, for Matt.

"It's fantastic to do something like this with dad," he told the paper. "We're more friends now than father and son. I'm really happy with how far we've come together."

The grand final of the show will see team Jake and Elle and married couple Dan and Steph pitted against each other. The final episode of the season will air on April 28, Saturday, on Seven Network.