Three months after the shock news that long-time hosts Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris would be leaving MasterChef Australia after 10 years at the helm, Network Ten has unveiled the three new judges who will be replacing them.
WATCH: Matt Preston opens up about the MasterChef controversy
Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong and Andy Allen will now front the popular cooking show.
Network Ten’s chief content officer, Beverley McGarvey, said in a statement: “In a nation obsessed with food, we are thrilled to welcome Jock, Melissa and Andy as judges to MasterChef Australia.
“Their combined culinary credentials, coupled with their passion and sheer joy for food, and their relentless enthusiasm to explore ingredients, preparation and cooking methods ensures we are in for a real treat.”
Jock Zonfrillo is a Scottish chef who has appeared as a guest judge in past MasterChef seasons.
Melissa Leong is a food writer who has appeared on SBS’s reality cooking show The Chefs’ Line.
While Andy Allen is the owner of popular Sydney eatery Three Blue Ducks – he was also the winner of season four of MasterChef Australia.
All three of the new judges took to their personal social media accounts to share the happy news.
“It’s a privilege to be asked, & I can’t wait to get in the kitchen with Melissa and Andy to uncover Australia’s next MasterChef!🔥” said Jock.
“It is with great excitement that I share with you possibly the biggest news of my career, to date. I’m thrilled to confirm the whispers happening out there and say YES! I will indeed be part of the new guard for MasterChef Australia!” gushed Melissa.
Meanwhile, Allen wrote: “This is really humbling and has come full circle for me. To win the show back in 2012, then to throw myself into the big world of hospitality, be recognised by the industry and accepted by chefs I admired, to now take on a role as Judge of Australia’s best cooking show is just one of the coolest things ever. So pumped! 👊”
The new season of MasterChef Australia is set to hit our screens in 2020.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
