Network 10 have announced the new judging panel for MasterChef Australia.
After much speculation, it’s been confirmed journalist and presenter Melissa Leong and chefs Jock Zonfrillo and Andy Allen will be joining the show.
Allen won the fourth series of MasterChef Australia and has since been a part of Three Blue Ducks as a chef and co-owner.
Jock Zonfrillo is known as the chef behind acclaimed Adelaide restaurant Orana and Leong is no stranger to the screen, hosting SBS’ The Chefs’ Line and presenting a host of food events across Australia.
Network 10 Chief Content Officer Beverley McGarvey says viewers have plenty to look forward to.
“In a nation obsessed with food, we are thrilled to welcome Jock, Melissa and Andy as judges to MasterChef Australia,” says McGarvey.
“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.”
Network 10 are shaking things up for the 2020 season dubbed Back to Win, which will see past contestants return to compete for the title.
Viewers can expect to see contestants who have gone on to launch venues and remain in the spotlight back on TV.
“This is the who’s who of MasterChef Australia’s favourites from seasons past,” says Leong. “This season, they have an opportunity to show everyone what they’ve been up to and where they are at, in their food evolution. They know how this game works, so they should be prepared to waste no time in showing us what they’ve got.”
Gordon Ramsay, Heston Blumenthal and Curtis Stone will also appear as guest chefs on the twelfth season.
The trio have taken the place of previous judges George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston who confirmed they were leaving MasterChef Australia in July after 11 years.
MasterChef Australia will return to screens in 2020.