The unexpected death of beloved judge Jock Zonfrillo in April 2023 has left the fate of MasterChef Australia up in the air, but his family has vowed to viewers to ensure the show’s survival and return in 2024. He promised that he would like to see new and experienced judges participate.
In his honor, judge Andy Allen, season 1 runner-up Po Lin Yeoh, celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, and food critic Sophia Levine were in the kitchen to celebrate his accomplishments. is taking over. Writer Melissa Leon will not be returning for the 16th season, but after the success of the show’s first series, she decided to step down to focus her energies on MasterChef: Dessert Masters.
Here, we speak to each of this year’s judges about why this season is the best yet.
Poe
The Malaysian-born, Adelaide-based chef rose to fame on the first season of MasterChef Australia. Since then, she’s guest-starred on the show several times and become so famous that it’s easy to forget that she never actually won.
“I’m excited to be able to show the new contestants that as much as winning is the purpose of the game, hard work is even more important,” says the 50-year-old. “You don’t have to win to win! MasterChef has changed my life in a positive way, so this is a thrilling, full-circle moment that takes me back to where my story started. It’s like coming home. I feel like that.”
Poe, who lost her mother last year, was planning to slow down when this opportunity arose. “It was a difficult decision to make,” she confesses. “I was in a very quiet space painting, gardening, running a food stall and making a little TV show. This decision disrupted everything.”
But Poe, who had already bonded with this season’s contestants, was glad she said yes. “They are the most wholesome and beautiful group of people. There are some daredevils who remind me of me. They are volatile, but never boring.”
Jean Christophe
A spicy new ingredient added to the MasterChef judging panel is celebrity French chef Jean-Christophe. He was only 14 years old when he decided to become a baker. That choice had the unintended consequence of being dumped by his first girlfriend.
The 63-year-old said: “I really loved her, and when she stood there with her hands on her hips and said, ‘I want to be with a real man with a real job!’ “I remember being there,” he recalls.
Since then, Jean-Christophe has certainly had the last laugh. The gourmet master has multiple Michelin stars and owns the Novelli Academy, one of the world’s top culinary schools.
A self-confessed ‘yes man’, MasterChef was a natural for UK-based father-of-three Jean-Christophe. He is especially proud of his 11-year-old son Jack.
“My son is a gourmet,” says Jean-Christophe. “He loves cooking and was over the moon when he found out I was going to be on MasterChef Australia. It’s hard being away from home, but he loves the show. It doesn’t really feel like work. .”
andy
After Jock’s shocking death, fellow judge Andy says he didn’t know if he would be able to return to MasterChef.
The 35-year-old, who won the show’s fourth season in 2012, admits: “It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through.” You will be able to do your best. ”
Eventually, Andy realized that returning to the series was exactly what Jock wanted him to do. “He loved MasterChef,” he says. “He loved the mentoring aspect.”
Andy says he’s glad he agreed to another season despite a “difficult period” on set.
“It’s amazing how grief can hit you and when it decides to shake you up. There were times when I was completely devastated, but I’m so proud that I said yes.” I think so. Of course, I wish Jock was still around to continue what we started, but I’m flying the flag for him. I’m proud to be able to do that. ”
sophia
For Sofia, a self-proclaimed “culinary travel journalist,” getting interviewed is difficult, saying, “I have a terrible habit of asking questions back. It’s in my bones. Usually I’m not interested in other things. It’s weird that people are so interested in me, even though I’m interested in them.”
The Melbourne writer, who has written for countless publications and started the blog Seaned Traveller, which encourages readers to ‘eat with curiosity’, was inspired by her own tastes when it came to food when she got a call from MasterChef. I wanted to share my passion with a wider audience. “Be careful what you wish for,” she smiled. “What came back was the biggest phone call ever.”
Sofia goes on to describe her new role as a “wonderful, delicious and exciting dream come true.” She added: “When you burst through the doors of MasterChef, it’s the kind of feeling I imagine bungee jumping, giddy with excitement at the people standing next to you. Starting your first day working with Jamie Oliver It was a big deal in a way.”
jamie
He has been a key part of MasterChef Australia’s success, and this season the superstar chef, cookbook author and restaurateur set a new record for the show with an epic two-week guest appearance. I did.
“I’m so happy to be back on MasterChef and spending time in Australia,” says the 48-year-old British star. “This is the best foodie show in the world. I love watching the contestants always be amazed at what they can achieve.”
But returning to MasterChef was bittersweet, Jamie added.
“Jock left a huge hole, and it was devastating for everyone. So it’s been a very important, very emotional year for Jock and for the show as well as for the contestants.” It was a very important year to get things right. I don’t want to be involved unless the show is done right, and I feel like it is.”
Speaking about the new panel of judges, the father of five said: We strive to cover all the bases and provide solid vetting.
And the guidance committee can take care of the contestants and the competition. ”
MasterChef Australia will premiere on TVNZ 1 on Sunday May 12 at 7pm.
