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Izahya Thomas, the 24-year-old social media chef from Miami, Florida was eliminated in fifth place on Thursday’s episode of “Next Level Chef.” The former college football player on Team Gordon Ramsay struggled in the Kombucha Kulture challenge, failing to grab enough ingredients for a Next Level dish. He landed in the elimination round against his teammate Jordan Torrey, where he was sent home in a unanimous vote. Watch his exclusive video interview with Gold Derby above.

“Even though I got eliminated, it also [took] a whole bunch of weight off my shoulders,” Izahya admits. “I just wanted to inspire others. I felt like the viewers watching at home, just watching the journey throughout the whole competition, and in that moment me being eliminated, I know that the viewer at home was inspired and knew, ‘If he’s able to go after his dream so whole-heartedly, I can do it to.

Tonight on “Next Level Chef,” the final five chefs must create a dish that won’t leave a sour taste in the judges’ mouth by using kombucha, the trendy fermented drink. Then, two chefs battle for a spot in the semifinals by cooking a winning dish using a wok in the all-new “Kombucha Kulture” episode of “Next Level Chef” airing Thursday, April 25 (8:00-9:02 Pm Et/Pt) on Fox.

See Nicole Renard (‘Next Level Chef’) exit interview: ‘I was definitely overwhelmed’ in the Bento Box challenge

8:00 p.m. — Previously on “Next Level Chef”! In episode 13, the six remaining chefs are tasked with recreating a “picture perfect” dish using just a photo. In the end Mada, a 36-year-old home cook chef from Team Arrington was eliminated. Who will go home next in “Kombucha Kulture”?

8:05 p.m. — The top five enter the studio and reflect on how far they’ve come.

Tonight on “Next Level Chef,” the six remaining chefs are tasked with recreating a “picture perfect” dish using just a photo. However, once the platform leaves, the photo goes with it, putting the contestants’ memory and cooking skills to the test in the all-new “Picture Perfect” episode of “Next Level Chef” airing Thursday, April 18 (8:00-9:02 Pm Et/Pt) on Fox.

In an epic three-story kitchen, the only way to move to the top is to cook your way up. Each week professional chefs, home chefs and social media chefs have seconds to grab, minutes to cook and moments to deliver their dishes to mentors Gordon Ramsay, Richard Blais and Nyesha Arrington. Who will rise to the challenge? Gordon promises the toughest, most competitive and most grueling season of “Next Level Chef” yet. With an amazing one-year mentorship and $250,000 on the line, only one contestant can climb their way to the top.

Nicole Renard, the 28-year-old social media chef from Kennewick, Washington was eliminated in seventh place on Thursday’s episode of “Next Level Chef.” The former Miss Washington from Team Richard Blais struggled in the Bento Box challenge, admitting Japanese cuisine is not her strong suit. She landed in the elimination round against Izahya Thomas and Gabi Chappel, both from Team Gordon Ramsay. Watch her exclusive video interview with Gold Derby above.

“I’ve never made a bento box,” Nicole admits. “And to do three different components in 30 minutes essentially gave us all 10 minutes for each. That’s less time than we’ve had for any challenge. I was definitely overwhelmed. I’m not familiar with Japanese cuisine. I’ve never cooked it. I don’t eat it a lot, so heading back down into the basement I definitely felt in over my head.”

See Angela Pagan (‘Next Level Chef’) exit...