They’re only one season in but MasterChef Australia‘s new judges Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong and Andy Allen have already earned themselves a legion of fans.
However, the trio admit that the new batch of contestants could give this year’s All Stars a run for their money!
WATCH BELOW: The MasterChef judges chat to Who at the 2020 AACTA Awards
Speaking exclusively to Who on the red carpet at the 2020 AACTA Awards, the foodie trio revealed what we can expect from the 2021 hopefuls hoping to take the MasterChef crown.
“I think it’s going to be the best food. Even with Back To Win,” Andy admits to Who.
“I think we’re very short into the season but if these guys are cooking like this now, imagine what they’re going to be doing in 60 episodes. It’s crazy so we’re excited with that.”
The judge and season four winner adds: “They’re raw, they’re very passionate, they’re very willing to learn and I think that’s what I think excites us the most. It’s going to be a really good season.”
Whilst Jock and Andy looked dapper in their traditional black tie get-up, former Who cover star Melissa stunned in a black floor-length Jason Grech gown.
Though MasterChef is nominated for best reality program, the new judges admit they’re simply happy to be hanging out with some of the country’s TV greats.
“We’re just the fluff, we’re very lucky to be here,” Jock joked.
“Do you know what, I love being here and seeing people that I’ve watched for years since I’ve lived in Australia. I’m pretty stoked to be here,” he adds.
Melissa adds: “I bumped into Rove [McManus] earlier and that was quite a moment, he’s brilliant!”
But despite all three admitting they’re keen to see comedian Tom Gleeson, Jock has a point to make.
“I’m Scottish, he’s not Scottish. He’ll never be as funny as me! He doesn’t know that yet, I’ll tell him later.”
Melissa also opened up about what it was like to be crowned the Sexiest Person of 2020 and to see her face on newsstands across the country.
“It was a very surreal but very flattering experience,” she says, before adding that Jock and Andy were cheering her on from the get-go.
“House of support here – my two work husbands, my dear friends always support me.”
As for the next Sexiest issue? Melissa has a suggestion.
“Next year Jock in a kilt, Andy black tie on top and board shorts below!”
Speaking to Who for the Sexiest People issue, Melissa admitted that people often contact her to tell her that seeing her on MasterChef means “they’re getting to see faces like mine – and theirs – in positions of power.”
“To be an Asian woman on the cover of the Sexiest issue will also mean something to others who aren’t used to seeing difference in this capacity,” she said.
“To be asked to be the cover girl for this issue is an awesome feeling. If I’d told a younger me that this would be happening, I wouldn’t believe it – no way, no how.”
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