Jock Zonfrillo, 44
‘IT’S A PRIVILEGE TO SHARE THIS CRAZY EXPERIENCE WITH THESE GUYS’
How would you describe the standard of dishes you get served by contestants this season?
They serve up some of the best dishes that we’ve ever seen on any season of MasterChef. The show’s tagline “ordinary people, extraordinary food” couldn’t be more true this year. We look at one another sometimes and can’t believe what we’re seeing and getting to eat. It’s a privilege to share this crazy experience with these guys.
Going into the show’s 13th season, do you think you’ll ever run out of talented contestants?
I used to watch MasterChef in the UK years ago – the show has been around forever! It outlived the last judges and it will outlive us, so as long as people still love food I don’t think we need to worry about finding new cooks.
You’ve got a five-month-old baby in the house. Are you sleeping?
Yes, but I love children so I don’t mind the broken sleep. You can never have too many kids as far as I’m concerned. It’s a juggle but I love it!
Andy Allen, 32
'WE WORK SO WELL TOGETHER AS A THREESOME’
What is the best thing about being a MasterChef judge?
Nurturing the talent really excites all of us. The growth I had on Season 4 when I was a contestant was phenomenal [Allen won MasterChef in 2012]. I was an extreme amateur, the worst cook in my top 24, but I got pushed to places I’d never imagined I’d go to on the show. So to be able to do that with the new contestants is awesome.
Why do you think you three judges work so well together?
We didn’t know each other last year but weirdly it was always easy. We were comfortable as soon as we were put in a room with each other. We work so well together as a threesome!
What’s your food guilty pleasure?
I can pound ice cream – I can get through a litre in a sitting!
MasterChef Australia premieres on Mon., Apr. 19, 7.30pm on Network Ten
For more, grab the latest issue of WHO. On sale now!
