New Judges Announced for MasterChef Australia
If you’re a fan of MasterChef Australia, there was plenty to be excited about in 2020. The iconic cooking show returned bigger than ever, featuring three brand-new hosts ready to inspire and excite food lovers across the country.
The refreshed judging panel included a renowned travel writer, a celebrated chef, and a former MasterChef Australia winner. According to the network behind the program, the new lineup was designed to breathe fresh energy into the series as it entered its 12th season.
Travel writer Melissa Leong described her new role as the “biggest news” of her career so far. Meanwhile, Andy Allen — winner of MasterChef Australia’s fourth season in 2012 — said he was “stoked” to be stepping back into the MasterChef kitchen.
Who Are MasterChef Australia’s New Judges?
The new judges MasterChef Australia announced for 2020 are Melissa Leong, Jock Zonfrillo and Andy Allen.
Together, MasterChef Australia’s new judges bring different backgrounds and experiences to the judging panel. From food writing and professional kitchens to previous MasterChef success, each judge brings a different perspective on food and culinary talent.
They will take over from long-time judges Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris, who had appeared on the program for 11 seasons.
Introducing Melissa Leong
OOne of the standout additions to MasterChef Australia in 2020 is Melissa Leong, a passionate food and travel writer known for her motto that she’ll “eat anything once.”
Leong has co-authored six cookbooks, including The Great Australian Cookbook. She is also no stranger to television, having worked as a media consultant and co-hosted the SBS cooking series The Chefs’ Line alongside Dan Hong and Mark Olive.
In addition to this, she has appeared regularly on programs such as The Cook’s Pantry and Everyday Gourmet, making her a familiar face to Australian audiences.
Her experience as a food writer brings another perspective to the judging panel, particularly when it comes to flavour, food culture and the stories behind different dishes.
Introducing Jock Zonfrillo
Jock Zonfrillo was born in Scotland and began his culinary career in London, where he worked alongside world-renowned chefs, including Marco Pierre White.
In 2000, he relocated to Australia to take on the role of head chef at Restaurant 41. He later settled in Adelaide, where he established Restaurant Orana and Bistro Blackwood.
Zonfrillo was already well known to MasterChef fans, having appeared as a guest chef across three seasons. Former judge Gary Mehigan once referred to him as a true “trailblazer” within the culinary industry.
His experience as a professional chef and restaurateur adds another layer of knowledge to the panel and the show’s focus on fostering culinary talent.
Introducing Andy Allen
Andy Allen is the chef who won the fourth season of MasterChef Australia in 2012.
Interestingly, Allen entered the competition on a dare from a friend. Since winning the title, he has travelled extensively, cooking and filming food content along the way.
In 2016, he became a co-owner of Three Blue Ducks and took on the head chef role at its Rosebery restaurant in Sydney.
He also made history as the first MasterChef Australia contestant to receive a Chef’s Hat.
His journey from contestant to judge gives Allen a unique perspective. He knows what it’s like to compete in the MasterChef kitchen and build a professional career after the competition.
Guest Judges Joining MasterChef Australia’s New Judges
MasterChef Australia’s new judges won’t be the only familiar faces entering the kitchen in 2020.
Network 10 has also announced several high-profile guest judges for the upcoming season, including Gordon Ramsay, Heston Blumenthal and Curtis Stone.
The show’s 12th season, MasterChef Australia: Back To Win, will also welcome back contestants from previous years. Returning cooks will have another opportunity to showcase their culinary talent and compete in the MasterChef kitchen.
With a new judging panel, returning contestants and renowned guest chefs, the upcoming season marks a significant new chapter for MasterChef Australia.
What to Expect from MasterChef Australia in 2020
The Back To Win format will give former contestants another chance to compete for the MasterChef Australia title.
Meanwhile, the viewers can expect the cooking challenges that have become a major part of the program. They can also look forward to appearances from guest chefs and other food personalities.
Additionally, the judges will work with cooks who already have MasterChef experience. These returning contestants have continued developing their skills since appearing on the show.
Ultimately, the new format will put their experience and culinary talent to the test as they return to the MasterChef kitchen.
Why the Change in Hosts?
Many viewers questioned why MasterChef Australia introduced an entirely new group of hosts.
In July 2019, Network 10 announced that long-time judges Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston, and George Calombaris would not be returning to the show. Their departure followed Calombaris’ admission that his restaurant group had underpaid staff by approximately $7.8 million.
Just hours before the season 11 finale, Network 10 Chief Executive Paul Anderson revealed that negotiations with the trio had failed, despite months of discussions.
Several weeks after leaving the show, Calombaris stated that he was “gutted” upon realising the scale of the underpayments. He publicly apologised to his staff and acknowledged the seriousness of the mistake.
Network 10, however, described the judges’ departure in terms of unsuccessful commercial negotiations rather than stating that the underpayment issue caused the trio to leave.
A New Chapter for MasterChef Australia
As one of Australia’s most popular reality cooking programs, MasterChef has built a loyal audience over the years.
After 11 seasons with Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris at the judging table, introducing three new judges represents a major change for the program.
Melissa Leong, Jock Zonfrillo and Andy Allen will now bring their different backgrounds and experiences into the MasterChef kitchen.
How audiences will respond to the new judges remains to be seen. However, with returning contestants, renowned guest judges and plenty of culinary talent, MasterChef Australia: Back To Win is set to begin a new chapter for the show in 2020.
