MasterChef judging panel set for major shakeup - amid rumours fan favourite won't be returning to series
MasterChef Australia will look very different next year.
Fan favourite Andy Allen's future on the cooking competition is up in the air amid reports that producers are preparing to rejig the judging panel with an all-female line-up.
According to Woman's Day, a major shake-up is underway and things aren't looking too good for Andy.
'There's no official announcement until the current season wraps but everyone at MasterChef knows cost-cutting is in full swing,' says the source.
'Four judges may no longer be financially viable - especially as other major shows like I'm A Celeb are taking budget hits too.'
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Andy is said to be 'preparing for a career pivot', confiding in friends that he's incredibly grateful for his time on the show - but he knows the end might be near.
'Andy is a smart guy and he will have more opportunities. He's also been wary about Melissa Leong making a return,' the source adds.
'If they can mend their differences and she comes back, it's likely she won't be working with Andy.'
It comes just weeks after Poh confirmed that she will be returning to the series next year, despite reports that she was going to be replaced by Julie Goodwin.
Daily Mail Australia can reveal the 51-year-old has signed on to return for the 2026 season, putting an end to recent speculation that she was preparing to bow out.
A spokesperson for the popular chef flatly denied the claims, revealing: 'There's no truth to the speculation. Poh is loving her time on MasterChef and feels like she's found her place.'
It follows a report by New Idea earlier this week suggesting Poh was considering leaving the series, prompting executives to quietly begin scouting a new judge to join Andy Allen, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli at the judging table.
Among the names floated as a potential replacement? None other than fan favourite Julie Goodwin - the very contestant who beat Poh to win the first season of MasterChef back in 2009.
'Julie would be a fantastic judge. Fans love her,' a source told the magazine.
'While no one wants to see Poh leave, everyone would welcome Julie back with open arms.'
Julie, 54, made a triumphant return to the franchise in 2022 and delighted fans when she appeared as a guest judge last year.
Insiders told the magazine she 'absolutely loved' the experience and would be open to returning in a more permanent capacity if the opportunity arose.
Poh, meanwhile, joined the judging panel in 2022 following the shock death of Jock Zonfrillo and the departure of Melissa Leong.
While she's embraced the role, the artist-turned-chef has admitted the transition hasn't always been seamless.
Speaking on the From The Newsroom podcast earlier this year, Poh revealed she often finds herself mentally back in the contestant's apron.
'I constantly run through the challenges that I have just delivered and think about what I would do in that situation,' she said.
'That's how much I miss and love it.'
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