In what’s been a difficult year, the MasterChef judges Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo reveal how working with the next generation has been “inspiring” and “uplifting” and why MasterChef Junior is exactly what audiences need right now.
Talking to Woman’s Day, judges Melissa Leong, Jock Zonfrillo and Andy Allen are calling the latest crop of Junior MasterChefs have left them “blown away”.
“In a word, these kids were inspiring. To have 14 enthusiastic, good-hearted clever and creative juniors to spend this season with was such a bright spot in a crazy year,” Melissa, 38, says.
Despite having four kids of his own, judge Jock, 44, says he has been blown away by the masterful approach the youngsters have taken to this year’s competition.
In what’s been a difficult year, the MasterChef judges Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo reveal how working with the next generation has been “inspiring” and “uplifting” and why MasterChef Junior is exactly what audiences need right now.
(Credit: Channel 10)“The next generation of cooks have access to so much more information and education, and it’s all right at their fingertips,” he says.
“They can master skills by watching online tutorials that simply didn’t exist back in my day.”
And while youngest judge Andy, 32, was nervous to work with children, he says all apprehension disappeared the moment he met them.
“From the day I got into the kitchen, I just loved working with them,” he says.
“What really blew me away most was their confidence and how they handled themselves in he kitchen. They were so entertaining!” he adds.
Now, get to know the 14 new stars of the series before it airs Sunday October 11 at 7.30pm on Channel 10.
Ben
Ben, 10, Victoria
Carter
Carter, 12, New South Wales
Dev
Dev, 13, Victoria
Etka
Etka, 13, Vic
Filo
Filo, 12, Victoria
Georgia
Georgia, 11, Victoria
Laura
Laura, 13, Queensland
Phenix
Phenix, 11, New South Wales
Porsha
Porsha, 11, Queensland
Ruby
Ruby, 11, Western Australia
Ryan
Ryan, 11, South Australia
Salvo
Salvo, 13, Western Australia
Tiffany
Tiffany, 14, Queensland
Vienna
Vienna, 13, Victoria
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