MasterChef Australia is officially back for 2024, with a new group of contestants ready to cook their way to the MasterChef crown.
Joining the contestants on their journey for culinary glory is a brand-new judging lineup featuring some of the most beloved members of the MasterChef Australia family – Poh Ling Yeow and Andy Allen.
Taking to the judging panel alongside Poh and Andy are two newcomers to the MasterChef kitchen, journalist Sofia Levin and renowned chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, as well as a number of fan-favourite guest judges.
Scroll down to learn more about the MasterChef Australia 2024 judges.
Who are the judges of MasterChef Australia 2024?
Poh Ling Yeow
As the runner-up contestant of MasterChef Australia’s inaugural season, Poh Ling Yeow is no stranger to the challenges of one of TV’s most cut-throat cooking competitions.
Since appearing on the show in 2009, Poh returned briefly to the world of MasterChef in 2019 as a mentor before donning the apron once more as a contestant for the 2020 spin-off Back to Win.
Reflecting on her return to the MasterChef kitchen, Poh told Ten, “Talk about a thrilling, full-circle moment. MasterChef Australia is where my food story began, so this feels like coming home.”
Andy Allen
Since taking home the win in the 2012 season of MasterChef Australia, Andy Allen has become a regular feature on the series, appearing as a judge on the programme since 2020.
Outside the world of MasterChef, Andy has been at the helm of a successful restaurant chain, Three Blue Ducks, that has expanded to five locations across Australia.
“MasterChef Australia has been part of my life for over a decade. It gave me a pathway into the industry and led me to a career I’m forever grateful for… 2024 will be the start of a new chapter, and it will be surreal, yet brilliant, to share this moment with my fellow judges,” Andy told Ten.
Sofia Levin
MasterChef newcomer Sofia Levin is a Melbourne-based journalist best known for her food-inspired website and newsletter The Seasoned Traveller.
With over ten years of experience writing about her favourite culinary experiences, Sofia has championed the social media trend #EatCuriously – encouraging her followers to explore cultural diversity through food.
“By the time I graduated from journalism, I was sharing lesser-known food stories, while [MasterChef Australia] was exposing the nation to cuisines and cultures they had never considered before. Becoming a judge on MasterChef feels like two parallel paths converging,” Sofia told Ten.
Jean-Christophe Novelli
For over 20 years, Michelin Star award-winning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli has continued to uphold his reputation as one of Europe’s most decorated chefs.
Aside from operating multiple restaurants across England, France, and South Africa, Jean-Christophe also runs the prestigious Novelli Academy cooking school, which has been voted as one of the top 25 cooking academies in the world.
Having appeared on legendary cooking shows such as Hell’s Kitchen and Chef Academy, Jean-Christophe is eager to extend his mentoring skills to the MasterChef Australia kitchen.
“Fostering culinary talent is something I have cared about for many years, and it is a passion I am excited to share in the MasterChef kitchen,” he told Ten.
“Australian cuisine has a remarkable reputation on the world stage, and it will be a great privilege to meet and mentor the country’s top home cooks on their journeys to greatness.
MasterChef Australia 2024 Guest Judges
Jamie Oliver
To the delight of fans, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver will be returning to the MasterChef Australia kitchen as a guest judge for two weeks.
Jamie previously appeared on the fan-favourite cooking show for two episodes in 2023, and with an extended time in the Australian kitchen, Jamie has shared that he is eager to join this year’s judging lineup.
“Returning to the MasterChef kitchen and spending time in Australia makes me very happy. I think MasterChef Australia is the best food show in the world… I love seeing how the contestants constantly surprise themselves about what they can achieve,” Jamie shared.
Adriano Zumbo
No season of MasterChef Australia is complete without a complex dessert challenge, and fortunately for this year’s contestants, renowned pastry chef Adriano Zumbo has been confirmed to return to the MasterChef Australia kitchen.
Outside of his frequent appearances on the programme, Adriano has continued to make waves in the world of pastry – partnering with luxury hotels across Australia and most recently appearing on Ready, Steady, Cook.
Anna Polyviou
Joining the world of desserts in the MasterChef Australia kitchen is former Dessert Masters contestant Anna Polyviou.
Loved across the country for her decadent desserts, the Melbourne-based pastry chef has since launched a range of edible cookie dough in Woolworths supermarkets across Australia in collaboration with Charlie’s Fine Food Co.
Vincent Yeow Lim
With over four million followers across his social media, chef and content creator Vincent Yeow Lim is set to bring his wealth of culinary knowledge to the MasterChef Australia kitchen.
Formerly working as a chef in the Emirates first-class lounge, Vincent now shares his love for wok-based cooking on social media. Since gathering a large fan following, Vincent has appeared as a guest speaker for TEDx and has since opened his now-viral crepe restaurant Kurepu.
Why is Melissa Leong not in MasterChef?
While Melissa Leong has confirmed that she will not be returning as a judge for the 2024 season of MasterChef Australia, she shared that the decision to step away from the show is one that she embraced.
“This is a shift I embrace with joy. One that allows everyone involved to expand. To put it plainly, I’m very fortunate to continue to be a key part of @masterchefau, yet have the space to evolve in my career,” she wrote to Instagram.
Since the announcement, Melissa has been confirmed to be returning to the world of MasterChef as a judge on the 2024 season of Dessert Masters alongside renowned chocolatier Amaury Guichon.
“The great honour of growing the MasterChef Australia family with the introduction of Dessert Masters is not lost on me. I relish the sweet opportunity to nurture this special series alongside Amaury.”
When does MasterChef Australia 2024 start?
The 2024 season of MasterChef Australia kicks off at 7:30 pm on Monday, April 22 on 10 and 10 Play.
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