After more than a decade on the air together judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston are saying goodbye to MasterChef Australia.
The news was revealed by 10 shortly after the series ended in July this year, withthe network revealing they had parted ways as they were unable to reach a “commercial agreement” with the judges.
While we’re sad to see them go, we have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of who would replace the trio when the hit series returns in 2020.
“I’m excited,” Network 10’s Chief Content Officer Beverley McGregor tells TV WEEK of the change. “As you would know, it’s unusual for a show to be on air 11 years with the same talent on a reality show.
“George, Gary and Matt were great and we had a great partnership for over a decade, but I think the timing is really good for us to move on and I think the audience is really ready to embrace and discover some new judge or mentors in that regard.
“So I think it’s probably the right time. I probably would have been more nervous two years ago, but I think our timing is pretty good.”
The boys have been on the air for more than 11 years.
Earlier today, Network 10 unveiled the show’s new judges for the 12th season: Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo.
Andy, of course, took out the title of MasterChef Australia’s fourth season. Before winning, Andy was an electrician by trade. Since leaving the show, he’s become a One Hat Chef and opened Restaurant Three Blue Ducks in Rosebery with Mark LaBrooy and Darren Robertson.
Melissa is a food critic, who previously appeared on The Chefs’ Line on SBS as a judge.
Jock is a Scottish celebrity chef, who owns Restaurant Orana in Adelaide.
Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo.
Endemol Shine Australia CEO, Carl Fennessy, welcomed the trio to the franchise today.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jock, Melissa and Andy to the MasterChef Australia family. Jock’s culinary resume across Australia and the United Kingdom puts him in the very elite of contemporary chefs.
“Melissa’s diverse palate and incredible food knowledge will test our contestants in every way, and Andy brings with him a wealth of experience as a MasterChef Australia winner who’s become one of Australia’s hottest chefs.
“We’re excited to welcome this new generation of judges to the MasterChef kitchen.”
