Jean-Christophe Novelli is the passionate French chef every cooking show needs.
The MasterChef Australia judges, Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli will all be returning for the 2026 MasterChef Australia season and fans cannot wait.
While most people are familiar with MasterChef Australia alumni Andy Allen and Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli joined the judging panel later than their co-judges in 2024 and have made quite the impression.
Jean-Christophe Novelli is a multi-Michelin-starred French chef, author, and restauranteur who began his cooking career at the young age of 14. Since then, he has opened multiple restaurants and won the hearts of aspiring chefs and home-cookers around the world.
Here’s everything we know about MasterChef Australia judge Jean-Christophe Novelli.
Who is Jean-Christophe Novelli?
Novelli, 65, has made an impressive life for himself despite being kicked out of school at just 14-years-old. He trained in some of France’s top kitchens and went on to become a private chef for the late billionaire Elie de Rothschild. Working for a member of the Rothschild family boosted his career and in 1996, he opened Maison Novelli in Clerkenwell, London; a restaurant that quickly gained acclaim for its elegant French cuisine.
The chef then went on to open up Michelin star restaurants all around the world before laying his roots in Hertfordshire, UK. Despite all of his hard work, the 65-year-old continues to oversee the running of his popular French/Mediterranean restaurant Novelli at City Quays in Belfast, and his own cookery school in the countryside of Hertfordshire.
How big is Jean-Christophe’s family?
Family is number one on Novelli’s list of prioritises. The chef shares three sons; Jean, Jacques, and their youngest, Valentino, with wife Kennedy. He also has an older daughter from a previous relationship.
Novelli’s youngest son was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at just 10 weeks old, but after years of treatment, he was thankfully declared cancer-free. Valentino is also on the autism spectrum, and his sensory sensitivities inspired Novelli to contribute to the development of Sensory Notes in collaboration with Mastercard and Autism CRC.
This new menu format, now gradually being introduced in restaurants across Australia, includes detailed dish descriptions with photos. It outlines how each item is prepared and presented, along with information about flavours, textures, appearance, garnishes, and serving temperature; making dining experiences more accessible and predictable.
When did Jean-Christophe Novelli join MasterChef Australia?
MasterChef Australia welcomed Jean-Christophe Novelli as a judge in 2024. He was revealed as part of a refreshed panel toward the end of 2023 and first appeared on the program when that season aired in April 2024.
Many people were sceptical that Novelli would return seeing as it is such a distance from his home, however he told New Idea: “Nothing will take me away from MasterChef, unless I’ve been told to stop,” before adding: “I don’t listen to rumours, I’m pretty tired for that.”
How to watch MasterChef Australia?
MasterChef Australia 2026 will be available to watch on Channel 10 and 10 Play.
As we wait for April to roll around, you can watch all the previous seasons of MasterChef Australia on 10 Play.
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