The first episode of MasterChef Australia, 2018, is exactly one week away and with anticipation mounting over the most “surprising season yet” the last thing the MasterChef judges need right now is more stress – yet that’s precisely what’s on the menu for George Calombaris today.
The reality TV judge is at the centre of a conflict over a newly constructed backyard gym at his Melbourne property, which is owned by his wife, Natalie Tricarico.
The gym, which is being described as a “hideous black box” in officially lodged complaints by his neighbour, 71-year-old Helen Elsworth, is alleged to have breached building regulations and Ms Elsworth has told NewsCorp that she wants the structure torn down.
“He’s the worst neighbour I’ve had in my life,” Ms Elsworth told the Herald Sun.
“He should be living in Central Australia somewhere, where he can’t bother people, not in the suburbs.”
Trees were removed from George’s garden in order to build the gym, which means his neighbour, Ms Elsworth is now looking directly into the couples backyard from her bedroom window.
“I have certainly lost my privacy,” Ms Elsworth said. “I want it demolished. It’s an eyesore.”
George and wife Natalie at the Long Chim Melbourne Launch in 2017.
George’s wife, Natalie Tricarico spoke with NewsCorp about the conflict and revealed she oversaw the construction process and the development was approved by local council back in December.
“As the owner of the property I have undertaken minor works to my home and these have been done strictly in accordance with all permits and consents,” Natalie told the Herald Sun.
“We have also continued to ensure our neighbours who share a land boundary with us were kept informed of the progress of the construction works — as we were required to do — and those neighbours have expressed no issue with the construction or the process that took place.”
The permit describes the structure as “a self-contained small gym”.
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has responded to Ms Elsworth’s complaints and said they will be looking into issue.
