EXCLUSIVE PICS: Meet the MasterChef Australia contestants for 2020

Tessa Boersma, season 11, 2019

Fresh from the season 11 MasterChef kitchen, runner-up Tessa Boersma knows she only has one rung left to climb in the elusive ladder to culinary victory. Committed to the ultimate prize since finishing last year’s season she’s been busy writing recipes and worked alongside former guest chef Alanna Sapwell at Brisbane’s acclaimed ARC Dining.

Chris Badenoch, season 1, 2009, placed third

Give Perth powerhouse Chris Badenoch a cut of meat, and he’ll plate you a meal fit for a King. The talent behind memorable season one dishes including duck neck sausage, roasted pigs head and beeramisu finished in third place, and Chris is thrilled to be returning to the MasterChef kitchen.

Simon Toohey, season 11, 2019

After coming in third place in last year’s season, Victorian vegie King Simon Toohey has just a few hurdles to jump to claim the elusive title this season. After showcasing his love of seasonal vegetables throughout his time on MasterChef Australia, Simon showed where there’s smoke there’s seriously fire, opening a pop-up vegan smokehouse after the grand finale last year.

Dani Venn, season 3, 2011

Reynold Poernomo, season 7, 2015

“When I was eliminated, it was gut wrenching. Absolutely devastating. I’m sacrificing a lot to be here but it’s worth it for the chance to win,” Reynold says.

Poh Ling Yeow, season 1, 2009, runner-up

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for 10 years and now I’m back. I have a little bit of unfinished business,” Poh says.

Sarah Tiong, season 9, 2017

Lawyer Sarah Tiong became a fan favourite in season nine, applauded for her vivacious personality and various uses of pork in challenges. After being eliminated in sixth place, it was little surprise she started work as a private chef with her pop-up street food stall, Pork Party.

Laura Cassai, season 6, 2014

Far from the fresh-faced teenager who battled it out against eventual winner Brent Owens, Laura (known then as Laura Cassai) took the skills and opportunity from the MasterChef kitchen and parlayed them into an enviable food career.

Brendan Pang, season 10, 2018

Fan favourite Brendan Pang is back in the kitchen, and after being eliminated twice in season 10, he knows what it takes to avoid the feared black apron this time around.

Ben Milbourne, season 4, 2012

Following MasterChef, Ben embarked on a successful media career with his TV show Ben’s Menu which aired on Network 10 for three seasons and went on to feature in the SBS Food Network’s Andy and Ben Eat Australia with friend and now judge, Andy Allen.

Hayden Quinn, season 3, placed 6th

“MasterChef changed my life. I’m stoked to be going up against the best of the best. I’ve learnt a lot, my skills have improved, I’m here to take it out,” Hayden says.

Khanh Ong, season 10, 2018, came third

Two years on after falling just short of the grand finale in season 10, Khanh Ong has wasted no time leaving his mark on Melbourne’s culinary landscape, joining The George on Collins. He also co-hosted episodes of My Market Kitchen and has written a cookbook due for release this July.

Callum Hann, season 2, 2010, runner-up

“Everyone who’s here is at the top of their game. This is going to be really, really tough. There’s cookbook authors, TV presenters, restaurant owners and those who just missed out,” Callum says.

Amina Elshafei, season 4, 2012

After winning hearts in season four, Amina Elshafei wasted no time embracing the food world. She has since published her first cookbook, Amina’s Home Cooking, and is back working as a paediatric nurse.

Emelia Jackson, season six

Sweet Queen Emelia Jackson is back to take glory in the MasterChef kitchen, six years after falling just shy of the ultimate prize. Eliminated on a whipped chocolate ganache, the former marketing co-ordinator from Melbourne’s east left the show with a newfound booming confidence, going on to open her own cake business. She now spends her days preparing decadent bespoke wedding, engagement, birthday, and event cakes.

Jess Liemantara, season 10

Just 19 years old when she entered the MasterChef kitchen in season 10, dessert powerhouse Jess Liemantara is once again the youngest recruit this season. Happy to have her ability defy her age, Jess has proven she’s the reigning Sweet Queen, recently self-publishing her first cookbook, A Zest of Jess.

Courtney Roulston, season two

Courtney Roulston admits her first turn in the MasterChef kitchen overhauled her life. Previously reserved and shy, she has come a long way since her 2010 appearance, now travelling Australia hosting cooking demonstrations while presenting her own TV show, Farm to Fork on Network 10.

Reece Hignell, season 10

Leaving the competition in sixth place, Reece knew he’d achieved something significant, and was buoyed by his newfound confidence. Guilty of often self-doubting his cooking abilities, he realised he was capable of taking risks, and now looks forward to taking out top honours.

Now a confident cake baker, this Newcastle native loves making anything sweet, and is back to try his luck again in the MasterChef kitchen following his appearance in 2018 in the show’s 10th season.

Rose Adam, season seven

For season seven fan favourite, Rose Adam returning to the MasterChef Australia kitchen where she bowed out in 10th place is all about challenging herself and her skills. Just six weeks following her elimination she achieved her food dream, opening her café, The Middle Store, alongside her siblings in Adelaide. Now she’s back with a clear identity in her food and a goal to take home the top prize.

Sarah Clare, season 10

After competing in season 10 of MasterChef Sarah returned to her Tasmanian roots and is now firmly ensconced back home with her young son Elvis.

After working in the kitchen at Fat Pig Farm alongside Mathew Evans, Sarah launched a series of pop ups called Wild, featuring beautifully sourced, local ingredients. She now runs her own restaurant, ILHA in Cygnet,

Lynton Tapp, season five

After competing in MasterChef and determined to improve on his newfound skills, Lynton trained under chef Matt Germanchis, and in 2016 released his debut cookbook, Outback Pantry. He went on to host two television shows – A Taste of Travel and My Market Kitchen on Network 10, and opened a restaurant with his brother-in-law, Westwood in West Melbourne.

Tracey Collins, season six

After finishing fifth in season six when she was bundled out on a lobster with citrus beurre blanc, Tracy returned home and started the highly successful Harvest Kitchen restaurant, which in 2016 was awarded best regional restaurant in South Australia.

Harry Foster, season eight

While stumbling just shy of the season eight grand finale, third place getter and fan favourite Harry Foster has plenty more to prove. Following his last appearance in the competition, Harry moved to Tasmania where, alongside other adventures, he worked in luxury accommodation, studied plant science, and co-opened a gin distillery.