This season of MasterChef has only gone through three eliminations so far, but there’s already talks of next year and what’s in store for the future of some long-running judges.
After a story broke out about judge Andy Allen potentially leaving the judging panel next year, with rumours that Declan Cleary – previous 2023 and 2025 contestant — would take over his spot, fans started sharing who they would want to become a judge on the cooking show, if it were their choice.
While Andy’s new parenthood status could be cause enough for his departure next year (as well as the fact that he’s the last remaining judge from the previous grouping with Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo), it doesn’t look like he’s actually going anywhere.
A spokesperson from Channel 10 confirmed to WHO that this rumour is indeed just a rumour.
“We love our MasterChef judges and so do the audience,” the spokesperson told WHO. “Andy is essential to the show and we cannot imagine MasterChef without him.”
Andy speaks on the show’s successful judging dynamic
Andy also spoke to WHO about the judging dynamic and how it’s actually going really well.
“When it was my first year, it was also Jock’s first year and Melissa’s first year,” he explained to WHO. “When it was Poh, Jean Christophe and Sofia’s first year, I’d kind of been doing it for a while so there was that natural kind of leadership role that I stepped into, but it’s been so lovely this year.
“Everything just feels like it’s clicked more than ever with the four of us and it feels like there’s no need for a leader anymore.”
“Everyone’s found out their niche, found out what they’re good at and really honed in on that, which has been really lovely to witness.”
Fans divided over who they’d want to replace Andy — if at all
While the rumour of Andy leaving first broke from an insider source from Women’s Day, what is really fuelling the fire are negative comments about the judges circulating online this year.
MasterChef is historically a wholesome reality TV show spotlighting good food and a love of cooking, this year fans have been vocal about everything from the judge’s outfits to their tastings.
There was mixed reaction to rumours that Andy was leaving the show.
“I’d be happy with anyone replacing Andy, not my favourite of all the judges,” one fan wrote online.
“Andy isnt leaving unfortunately,” another fan commented. “Wish they would get rid of him and Sofia Levin.”
In contrast to these negative comments, many fans have come together in support of the judge, feeding on the sentimentality of his role in the show this year.
“Absolutely not! I love Andy, and he is keeping Jock’s legacy and memory alive which Jock would be very proud of,” one fan wrote. “He is the OG [original] out of the four of them, there is no way he is leaving.
“It wouldn’t be the same without Andy if he goes and it changed the minute Mel left and our beloved Jock passed.”
While fans are discussing who they believe would be the best replacement, at the end of the day, the news is just a “rumour and a rumour only.”
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