MasterChef Australia judge Jean-Christophe Novelli may be best known for his Michelin-star restaurants and role on the beloved cooking show, but his personal life is just as interesting.
The 65-year-old has been married three times, the first time to a UK woman named Tina Novelli; with whom he shares one daughter, Christina, the second to South African model Anzelle Visser, and the third to artist, Michelle Kennedy.
Interestingly enough, Novelli swore off having anymore children until his eldest daughter turned 18 for fear she would feel his focus was elsewhere.
And, he stuck to his promise.
The chef met his third wife in 2005 (when Christina was 19) and went on to have three sons; Jean, Jacques, and Valentino with her.
If you want to find out more about Novelli’s movie-worthy love life then keep reading:
Who was Jean-Christophe Novelli’s first wife?
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Novelli said when he is with someone, he is “all in and will die for that person”.
He explained his divorced was a painful experience.
“Divorce isn’t wrong, it’s merely a recipe that went wrong. It pained me when it didn’t work out.”m
The chef also spoke about his commitment to being a present father to Christina, despite his demanding career.
In a 2012 interview with The Standard, Novelli reflected on the breakdown of his eight-year marriage, describing it as one of the most painful experiences of his life.
He recalled working relentless 18-hour days at the time, and after eight years, Tina had an affair.
“Unbelievable,” he said. “That was the pain of my life, when she left me for somebody else. I worked six days a week, 18 hours a day, but I don’t think that’s to blame, I was getting there slowly.”
He explained that he first became aware of the affair through their young daughter, who at around five or six years old, mentioned an “uncle,” prompting confusion.
When he asked what she meant, she replied that it was “the one who kisses Mummy like you do,” revealing the situation in a way that left a lasting impact on him.
Who was Jean-Christophe Novelli’s second wife?
Jean-Christophe Novelli’s second wedding took place in 1999 when he married South African model Anzelle Visser.
At the time, Visser was working as both a model and in the day-to-day operations of Maison Novelli, the chef’s London-based restaurant.
The marriage lasted five years, and Jean-Christophe Novelli later told The Standard that, although he struggled to fully understand why it ended, he believed something fundamental had been missing.
He also noted that Visser was deeply affected by the breakup, describing her as “terribly destroyed” when the relationship came to an end.
Who is Jean-Christophe Novelli’s current wife?
Third time really does seem to be a charm for Novelli who is now married to Michelle Kennedy.
The couple first met at London Luton Airport, where Michelle was working in marketing before later becoming involved with his Novelli Academy.
Speaking to The Irish Independent in 2013, Novelli described her as the “most amazing woman on Earth”.
“Every time I see her I think, ‘Why did I have to wait so long to find her?’ She’s an artist, she is wonderful, and we are so happy.”
He has often recalled the immediacy of their connection, explaining that after a meaningful first conversation at the airport, he felt certain their relationship would go further.
Within a week of meeting, Michelle had moved in with him.
Over time, they shared and taught each other new skills; Novelli introducing her to driving and shooting, while Michelle, an artist, encouraged his interest in painting.
How many kids does Jean-Christophe Novelli have?
Novelli has four children in total; Christina from his first marriage and Jean, Jacques, and Valentino with his third wife.
Novelli and Kennedy faced an incredibly difficult period when their youngest son was diagnosed with cancer as a baby.
The illness had a profound emotional impact on the family, particularly on Michelle, who carried much of the strain.
Novelli later described the bond between mother and child during that time, telling New Idea, “It felt that her soul was inside him and swallowing the cancer herself,” adding that as Valentino grew stronger, “Michelle looked weaker,” leaving him deeply concerned about the toll it was taking on her.
Despite the challenges, the couple remained devoted to their family, and despite his success the chef admits fatherhood has reshaped his priorities, saying, “The pleasure I have with my children… it’s my biggest satisfaction in life.”
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