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Ex-MasterChef judge George Calombaris opens up about revamped show

Not what we thought he'd say
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Ex-MasterChef judge George Calombaris has voiced his opinions about the newly revamped season of the show – and surprisingly, he has nothing but lovely things to say.

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WATCH: Gordon Ramsay’s foul-mouthed rant at contestant Chris Badenoch

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Calombaris lavished praise on the new season, which aired on Monday night.

“OMG. A massive result last night on MC12 launch night,” he wrote underneath a photo of this year’s returning contestants.

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(Credit: Instagram)
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“Congrats to Channel 10, Endemol Shine Australia, all the awesome crew, the contestants and the new judges. Well done!”

George served as judge on the network Ten show for a decade, before he and fellow judges Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston were replaced by new judges Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo.

Several of this season’s cast were quick to reply to Calombaris’ generous comments.

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“What a night mate! Haha I needed a hug! Thanks for all the support,” wrote season three star and return contestant Hayden Quinn.

“Love you to pieces,” said contestant Khan Ong.

“George, you’re an absolute gentleman,” said chef Curtis Stone, who is set to make a cameo as a guest judge this season, along with the hashtags ‘humble’ and ‘gracious’.

In February, 41-year-old Calombaris announced that most of his hospitality empire has been placed into voluntary administration.

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“My dream for MADE Establishment 13 years ago was a vision to create something truly special,” he wrote on Twitter at the time.

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(Credit: Instagram)

“Although we have all continued to work tirelessly and overcome the many challenges we have recently experienced, it is with deep sadness and regret that today MADE Establishment has been placed into voluntary administration.”

“To all of my team, I truly regret it has come to this.

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“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your loyalty and friendship.”

The news came less than a year after the chef was forced to fork out $7.83 million in wages to 515 current and former employees.

Calombaris told the ABC at the time that he was “gutted” and “took full responsibility”.

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