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The My Kitchen Rules 2026 contestants have finally made it to Kitchen HQ, and the judges are not holding back.
After throwing the teams into two timed challenges — leading to some failures from fan-favourites that no one saw coming — fans are noticing a different side to Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge.
While we’re used to seeing the professional chefs laughing around the table, and probing the contestants on their controversial opinions, of course, viewers are not so accustomed to their stricter side.
This has led to some major fan theories about the judges’ future on the show, with a recent interview adding fuel to the fire.
Speaking to WHO, Alisha and Deanne dished on what it was like being around these legendary judges, revealing what their future could look like on the show.
What is the fan theory about Manu and Colin?
Since Manu and Colin appeared on The Dom Harvey Podcast on October 18, rumours have started spreading that the judges may not return in 2027.
The Seven Network 2027 Upfronts revealed that the judges are expected to return next year. However, the pair made comments about retirement that raised a few eyebrows.
Manu confessed that he wanted to be “semi-retired, if not retired” as he’s been “working since [he] was 15” and, while he’s loved “every minute” of it, it’s natural that 40 years of working will make someone “exhausted”.
“I would like to slow down,” he said on the podcast. “I’d like to discover the world, I’d like to travel with my wife and go eat food from everywhere, and that’s my plan.”
Colin agreed with Manu’s sentiment, revealing that “if you drink the Kool-Aid and buy into this little world too much, and then it stops, you’ve got nothing left”.
The chef also admitted that he’d like to spend more time with his parents back home, adding that his mother is turning 80 in November and his father has dementia.
So, why exactly are fans still theorising about the judges’ departure?
Viewers are placing the blame on the show’s rapidly changing format and, after that first episode in Kitchen HQ, Manu’s attitude.
“Is it true Colin and Manu are leaving the series?” one fan asked online. “If so, I can’t blame them because the producers have a right muck-up of the series.”
“Anyone else think Manu is just getting grumpy with everyone and just wants out now,” another commented. “Pretty sure with his attitude, even the producers won’t want him back.”
“If I were them, I’d run and keep running,” a third chimed in. “The two of them doing trips together is a million times more exciting and a pleasure to watch on TV.”
Despite claims that Manu was acting “grumpier” than usual, many fans rallied behind the French chef, claiming that “MKR wouldn’t be the same without him”.
‘If it wasn’t working, we’d probably be walking away from it’
Both Manu and Colin spoke to WHO about what it’s been like to be part of such a success.
“I would say everyone can relate to someone in the show,” Colin said. “Whether you’ve got a neighbour or an auntie or a friend who’s like that, or someone you don’t like is like that.
“But there’s someone that can relate to everyone in this show.”
“Well, it is a successful show, so obviously it’s easy to be part of something that works,” Manu admitted to WHO candidly. “If it wasn’t working, we’d probably be walking away from it, but it is.
“It’s been doing well for a long time, it’s still doing well today, so we’ve still got a job.”
So, while the judges said they’d love to “slow down” one day, let us set the record straight: Colin and Manu are not leaving My Kitchen Rules anytime soon and are expected to return for the 2027 season.
Alisha and Deanne reveal the off-camera side of their relationship with Colin and Manu
Colin and Manu make My Kitchen Rules. It’s often their warm and light-hearted energy that relaxes contestants and makes them feel at ease (minus the occasional kitchen walk-in from Colin).
Alisha and Deanne told WHO that they had quite a close relationship with the judges during their time on the show. The pair even received some medals for being the “loudest contestants” before farewelling the other teams this season.
“Colin and Manu were good,” they said. “I think Colin [was] definitely a favourite, where he would have a laugh with us, give us a little bit of what we give everyone else and it was like, ‘Oh, alright, you’re not just this high and mighty judge that thinks you are better than everyone else.’
“He actually had a bit of a laugh and a bit of a carry on, and obviously that’s not aired, but we did make a bond with them.”
The ‘Classy Bogans’ then joked that they “felt sorry” to leave the judges with the other contestants.
So, while fans may think the judges’ personalities have changed and they’re ready to move on, viewers can rest assured that they haven’t seen the last of Colin and Manu.
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