When new MasterChef judge Andy Allen auditioned for the show’s fourth season in 2012, he was an amateur basketball player and apprentice electrician.
Now, eight years later, the 32-year-old has become an internationally recognised star – and secret millionaire – thanks to his 2012 prize money giving him a boost!
Since being crowned MasterChef winner, the Maitland, NSW-born chef has carefully built up an empire estimated to be worth around $5 million, with ambassadorships, book deals, TV series and his new judging gig on the country’s most popular cooking show!
The loveable chef has made a lot more than just a name for himself!
(Image: Channel 10)PRIZE MONEY
With his newfound fame and $100,000 tax-free prize money added to his bank account in 2012, the former tradie packed his bags and moved to Sydney’s lavish eastern suburbs, where he set himself up in Coogee.
CELEB ENDORSMENTS
With a growing profile, Andy fast became one of the country’s most sought-after chefs, with brands flocking to pay for his tick of approval.
Over the years, the star has been the face of H2coco, Jack Daniel’s, Rekorderlig Cider, Red Rock Deli and GQ’s Online Shopping Night.
ONLINE HITMAKER
From there the fast-thinking chef launched his own YouTube channel. Thanks to advertising and sponsorship deals, Andy kept making videos online, and it didn’t take long before the presenter, alongside his good friend and MasterChef alum Ben Milbourne, launched Andy & Ben Do Mexico.
The web series was sponsored by Old El Paso.
TV STAR
Before Andy landed his lucrative contract with MasterChef, he had two popular shows, Farm To Fork, on Ten, and Andy And Ben Eat Australia, on SBS.
Then, in 2019, it was announced he would be one of three new MasterChef judges. And TV insiders insist Ten made it worth his while, with a rumoured $500,000 for the year.
BOOK DEAL
Following his time on the show, the kitchen whiz landed himself a book deal and in November 2012 launched The Next Element, his debut cookbook.
The book includes 240 pages of Andy’s favourite meals and has been a bestseller in Australia. It’s still sold at Peter’s of Kensington, Target and bookstores across the country, with fans even trying to sell signed copies on eBay!
BUSINESS MOGUL
A year after his win, Andy embarked on part-time work at Sydney’s renowned Three Blue Ducks restaurant.
After wooing owners Darren Robertson and Mark LaBroory, he soon became part of the family and signed on as a co-owner and business partner.
Since joining, Andy has overseen the businesses expansion from one Bronte restaurant to two more NSW locations, Brisbane and most recently Melbourne.
WATCH: Andy Allen shows how to make char-grilled skull island tiger prawns. Story continues below…
The MasterChef judge has managed to rake in millions through his highly-successful cook books and endorsement deals.
(Image: Instagram)Khanh Ong: From food to fashion designer!
Fan favourite Khanh Ong says when he returned to the MasterChef kitchen he wanted to spread “a little bit of positivity” and that’s exactly what he’s done!
The cook launched his LGBTQIA+ charity campaign You Are Loved to help raise awareness for queer youths after fans became interested in his branded T-shirts.
“These tees are a global reminder to feel loved by everyone around you,” says Khanh, who is donating $10 from every shirt to Minus 18, an organisation that promotes the wellbeing of gender diverse people, which has been important to the 27-year-old.
“They made me feel loved and included at a time in my life when I was confused, sad and ashamed of myself,” he says.
Khanh Ong’s You Are Loved campaign was designed to spread “a little bit of positivity” and raise awareness for the LGBTTQIA+ community.
(Image: Instagram)Judge Melissa’s secret wedding!
Food writer Melissa Leong has been praised for bringing a breath of fresh air to the show and it’s an approach she brings to her personal life, too!
Melissa and her husband Joe Jones decided they would elope instead of having a traditional wedding.
In 2017, the duo tied the knot in a ’60s rock’n’roll style ceremony at the Joshua Tree National Park in the Californian desert.
The judge wore a pale blue vintage dress with embroidered sleeves, while her “hot husband”, as fans have branded him, sported a dapper custom suit.
“Joe and I share a common aesthetic for all things vintage and a bit rock’n’roll,” she said.
“And eloping is a pretty rock’n’roll way to say, ‘I do!'”
The trendy couple married in secret in 2017 at rock’n’roll inspired ceremony at the Joshua Tree National Park in California.
(Image: Instagram)Hungry for more MasterChef content? Check out the links below
Grab your aprons! We finally know when this season of MasterChef Australia is kicking off
Meet the MasterChef Australia contestants for 2020
Meet the new judges for MasterChef Australia Season 12
MasterChef Australia: Where are the past winners now?
MasterChef behind the scenes secrets: What happens to all the leftover food will shock you!
Is MasterChef real or fake? The answer will surprise you
MasterChef contestants will bank HOW MUCH by going on the show?! The answer will shock you
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