Ten reveals new Masterchef judges

The replacements for Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and disgraced celebrity chef George Calombaris have been revealed, with next year’s season of Masterchef on Ten to be fronted by Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong and Andy Allen.

Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong and Andy Allen will take the helm of the show that celebrates food and the love of food.

Jock Zonfrillo is the owner and chef of three-hatted Restaurant Orana, and Bistro Blackwood in Adelaide. He was named Australia’s Hottest Chef in 2018 and has hosted television shows including Nomad Chef, Restaurant Revolution and Chef Exchange, as well as appearing in the MasterChef Australia kitchen as a guest chef across three seasons.

Few in Australia can boast the culinary credentials of Melissa Leong. An accomplished food and travel writer, food media consultant, radio broadcaster, television presenter, MC and cookbook editor, this first-generation Singaporean Australian isn’t afraid to consume anything at least once.

Andy Allen is a previous winner on the show and has travelled Australia and the world pursuing his culinary curiosity. He’s also become co-owner of the Three Blue Ducks, taking on the role of head chef at their Rosebery restaurant, which went on to be awarded a Chef’s Hat.

The three new hosts will be joined in the MasterChef Australia kitchen by a delicious assortment of the world’s best chefs, including Gordon Ramsay, Heston Blumenthal and Curtis Stone, to serve up the 12th helping of MasterChef Australia.

And in 2020, the traditional MasterChef Australia recipe will boast some new ingredients when the best of the best from the past 11 seasons return to the kitchen in MasterChef Australia – Back To Win.

Network 10 Chief Content Officer, Beverley McGarvey, said: “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.”

What do you think of the three new hosts? Will you watch the next season of Masterchef?

7 comments

Oh dear!! Never heard of any of them. Anyway glad to be rid of the last lot.

I believe it will take a while for these new ones to grow on people!

I was hoping TEN would spring for somebody like 

Nigella Lawson

I've only heard of Andy Allen, one of the previous winners on MF. Let's hope it will be successful - couldn't stand that other lot. 

I was hoping they could somehow convince the old 3 to come back, they were the best, this lot will have big shoes to fill and it will take considerable time by that time I may have lost interest, not hopeful.

I loved the previous 3 judges.  They were kind, helpful and understanding to the contestants.  There was never any rudeness on Materchef, there was much encouragement from the judges to the contestants and between the contestants themselves.  I do hope the new judges will continue with kindness, encouragement and inspiring the contestants and that the programme will not lower its bench mark or plummett into an abyss of controversy and meaness between contestants as do other australian cooking tv shows.

New judges, we'll be on your side if you continue the format.  All the very best.

Yes Priscillia, it was their personalities and kindness and how well they worked together that will be sadly missed, somehow I don't feel these younger ones may have enough experience to perhaps overcome their egos. 

Andy was a previous winner, is a chef and has appeared in SBS shows. Seems pleasant and can cook! Melissa Leong was also in an SBS show, seems pleasant and knowledgeable. She is, I think, a food writer. Also glamorous! I don’t know Jock. My pet peeves last year were Masterchef  running overtime and of course, George. I stopped watching. I’ll give a chance. Maybe one chance.

Who cares? Turning cooking into a game is such an appalling idea. I avoid such 'reality' TV like the plague!

They should just can the whole show It is old and ten yrs too long 

Ditto Rocky....didn't watch this last season, just got bored with it. Won't be watching again, new Chefs will not change my mind.

7 comments



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