Latest news with #MasterChefAustralia:BacktoWin
The Advertiser
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Food Bites: Lake Macquarie local in MasterChef: Back to Win top 8
If you're not watching MasterChef Australia: Back to Win right now, you're missing out on some world-class cooking from the top eight contestants. One of them is Lake Macquarie pharmacist, cook and mother-of-two Depinder Chhibber, who bowled over the judges with her decadent Raj Kachori in a recent episode. She's a popular contestant, and for good reason. Talking to her on Monday, I was struck by her intellect, her sense of humour, and her generosity of spirit ... not to mention her cooking talent. I'll be sharing the finer details of our chat in a Saturday Weekender soon. Depinder moved to Australia from India at the age of 11 and grew up in the suburbs of Lake Macquarie, attending St Paul's Catholic College at Booragul and Merewether High School. She still resides in the area with her family and works part-time as a pharmacist. Also, Depinder's intimate supper club, Ghar, is up and running again and already booked out until October ... details are on her socials. MasterChef Australia: Back to Win airs Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm on 10. I stopped by QT Newcastle last week to meet Jana Restaurant & Bar's new executive chef, Carmine Mari, and sample his southern Italian-influenced menu. There's a lot of love in his cooking. Each dish is a nod to family, culture and tradition. It makes him proud to share the food he grew up with, you can tell. The thin-sliced roasted veal girello and tuna sauce with capers, pickled onion and croutons, as a starter, was a stand-out. I also loved the tuna crudo with blood orange, capers, Spanish onion and crispy shallot, and the burrata with ciambotta. The QT Lasagna with mortadella, zucchini, pistachio, smoked provolone and chilli potato gnocchi, and the potato gnocchi with Manjimup Black Truffle, sauteed field mushroom and parmesan? Wow. Then there was the delightful half-roast chicken with chicory, fregola, panchetta and jus gras pork cotoletta, and the dry-aged duck breast with roast beetroot, celeriac puree and Hunter Valley red wine reduction. Do yourself a favour and book a table for dinner. Babbingtons Restaurant & Bar at the Apollo International Hotel in Charlestown is turning 40. It's hosted countless special occasions over four decades, and is a bit of a hidden gem, really. Favourable word of mouth leads many a curious diner there. "Babbingtons has always been more than just a restaurant - it's a place where memories are made," said Apollo's sales and marketing co-ordinator Maree Bendeich. "We've had the privilege of being part of our guests' special moments for decades, and we're looking forward to being part of many more to come." To mark this 40-year milestone, Babbingtons is hosting a cocktail celebration from 6pm on Friday, August 16, and you're invited. Phonic Duo will be performing, and there will be wine tastings by Oatley Wines. Tickets are $40 and include a limited-edition glass to take home as a keepsake. Book now through Sticky Tickets or email sales@ Comedian Merrick Watts is bringing An Idiot's Guide to Wine: Volume 2 to Newcastle's Spiegeltent on September 13 and 14. He's a qualified wine expert who judges at some of the most prestigious wine shows around the country, and on the night will be introducing people to six stand-out Australian wines, sharing tasting notes and snack pairings as well as plenty of highly questionable words of wisdom. Tickets are on sale now. Real McCoy, via VOK Beverages, recently sent me an interesting pitch: "Not all whiskeys are made for quiet reflection. Some are built to show up bold, smooth, and ready to turn any night into a good one." Intrigued, I sampled two of their new flavoured whiskey liqueurs, the Real McCoy Salted Caramel and the Real McCoy Buttered Popcorn. The Salted Caramel is silky and rich, with notes of creamy vanilla, toasty caramel, and a touch of sea salt, layered with hints of oak and butterscotch. A fine addition to an espresso martini. The Buttered Popcorn blends vanilla, caramel and butter with toasted oak, and works well with a whiskey sour. "With Real McCoy, we set out to redefine what a whiskey liqueur could be," brand manager Joh Einarson said. "We've focused on bold but balanced flavours crafted to be layered, versatile and genuinely enjoyable." It gets people talking at a social gathering, that's for sure. Details at Paired at Peregrin returns to The Beach Hotel at Merewether next Friday, July 25. This time around, the popular long-table dinner is a five-course truffle degustation featuring Gilbert Family Wines and Oakshade Truffles. Winemaker Will Gilbert and Oakshade Truffles owner Matt will share the passion and craft behind their produce, and you'll receive a drink on arrival. Tickets are $155 per person at And here's a sneak peek at the menu, which includes beef cheek and truffle vol-au-vent with shaved fresh truffle and pecorino; traditionelle half-shell scallop with pork belly and truffle polenta; prawn and truffle raviolo with truffle-cured egg yolk and burnt butter sauce; and lamb wellington with chard leaves, prosciutto, truffle and shiraz jus. Yum. Pilgrim's Pizzas has opened at 21 Main Road, Boolaroo. And, speaking of, Parks Bistro at Boolaroo Sports Club has a new, budget-friendly lunch specials menu. Goodtime Burgers are back at The Exchange for one weekend only, July 25 to 27. The Flotilla's new Late Winter Menu has launched. Fermento Pizza Joint has opened at 436 Maitland Road, Mayfield. Esca Bimbadgen is hosting a 1920s-inspired Speakeasy night on Friday, July 25. If you're not watching MasterChef Australia: Back to Win right now, you're missing out on some world-class cooking from the top eight contestants. One of them is Lake Macquarie pharmacist, cook and mother-of-two Depinder Chhibber, who bowled over the judges with her decadent Raj Kachori in a recent episode. She's a popular contestant, and for good reason. Talking to her on Monday, I was struck by her intellect, her sense of humour, and her generosity of spirit ... not to mention her cooking talent. I'll be sharing the finer details of our chat in a Saturday Weekender soon. Depinder moved to Australia from India at the age of 11 and grew up in the suburbs of Lake Macquarie, attending St Paul's Catholic College at Booragul and Merewether High School. She still resides in the area with her family and works part-time as a pharmacist. Also, Depinder's intimate supper club, Ghar, is up and running again and already booked out until October ... details are on her socials. MasterChef Australia: Back to Win airs Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm on 10. I stopped by QT Newcastle last week to meet Jana Restaurant & Bar's new executive chef, Carmine Mari, and sample his southern Italian-influenced menu. There's a lot of love in his cooking. Each dish is a nod to family, culture and tradition. It makes him proud to share the food he grew up with, you can tell. The thin-sliced roasted veal girello and tuna sauce with capers, pickled onion and croutons, as a starter, was a stand-out. I also loved the tuna crudo with blood orange, capers, Spanish onion and crispy shallot, and the burrata with ciambotta. The QT Lasagna with mortadella, zucchini, pistachio, smoked provolone and chilli potato gnocchi, and the potato gnocchi with Manjimup Black Truffle, sauteed field mushroom and parmesan? Wow. Then there was the delightful half-roast chicken with chicory, fregola, panchetta and jus gras pork cotoletta, and the dry-aged duck breast with roast beetroot, celeriac puree and Hunter Valley red wine reduction. Do yourself a favour and book a table for dinner. Babbingtons Restaurant & Bar at the Apollo International Hotel in Charlestown is turning 40. It's hosted countless special occasions over four decades, and is a bit of a hidden gem, really. Favourable word of mouth leads many a curious diner there. "Babbingtons has always been more than just a restaurant - it's a place where memories are made," said Apollo's sales and marketing co-ordinator Maree Bendeich. "We've had the privilege of being part of our guests' special moments for decades, and we're looking forward to being part of many more to come." To mark this 40-year milestone, Babbingtons is hosting a cocktail celebration from 6pm on Friday, August 16, and you're invited. Phonic Duo will be performing, and there will be wine tastings by Oatley Wines. Tickets are $40 and include a limited-edition glass to take home as a keepsake. Book now through Sticky Tickets or email sales@ Comedian Merrick Watts is bringing An Idiot's Guide to Wine: Volume 2 to Newcastle's Spiegeltent on September 13 and 14. He's a qualified wine expert who judges at some of the most prestigious wine shows around the country, and on the night will be introducing people to six stand-out Australian wines, sharing tasting notes and snack pairings as well as plenty of highly questionable words of wisdom. Tickets are on sale now. Real McCoy, via VOK Beverages, recently sent me an interesting pitch: "Not all whiskeys are made for quiet reflection. Some are built to show up bold, smooth, and ready to turn any night into a good one." Intrigued, I sampled two of their new flavoured whiskey liqueurs, the Real McCoy Salted Caramel and the Real McCoy Buttered Popcorn. The Salted Caramel is silky and rich, with notes of creamy vanilla, toasty caramel, and a touch of sea salt, layered with hints of oak and butterscotch. A fine addition to an espresso martini. The Buttered Popcorn blends vanilla, caramel and butter with toasted oak, and works well with a whiskey sour. "With Real McCoy, we set out to redefine what a whiskey liqueur could be," brand manager Joh Einarson said. "We've focused on bold but balanced flavours crafted to be layered, versatile and genuinely enjoyable." It gets people talking at a social gathering, that's for sure. Details at Paired at Peregrin returns to The Beach Hotel at Merewether next Friday, July 25. This time around, the popular long-table dinner is a five-course truffle degustation featuring Gilbert Family Wines and Oakshade Truffles. Winemaker Will Gilbert and Oakshade Truffles owner Matt will share the passion and craft behind their produce, and you'll receive a drink on arrival. Tickets are $155 per person at And here's a sneak peek at the menu, which includes beef cheek and truffle vol-au-vent with shaved fresh truffle and pecorino; traditionelle half-shell scallop with pork belly and truffle polenta; prawn and truffle raviolo with truffle-cured egg yolk and burnt butter sauce; and lamb wellington with chard leaves, prosciutto, truffle and shiraz jus. Yum. Pilgrim's Pizzas has opened at 21 Main Road, Boolaroo. And, speaking of, Parks Bistro at Boolaroo Sports Club has a new, budget-friendly lunch specials menu. Goodtime Burgers are back at The Exchange for one weekend only, July 25 to 27. The Flotilla's new Late Winter Menu has launched. Fermento Pizza Joint has opened at 436 Maitland Road, Mayfield. Esca Bimbadgen is hosting a 1920s-inspired Speakeasy night on Friday, July 25. If you're not watching MasterChef Australia: Back to Win right now, you're missing out on some world-class cooking from the top eight contestants. One of them is Lake Macquarie pharmacist, cook and mother-of-two Depinder Chhibber, who bowled over the judges with her decadent Raj Kachori in a recent episode. She's a popular contestant, and for good reason. Talking to her on Monday, I was struck by her intellect, her sense of humour, and her generosity of spirit ... not to mention her cooking talent. I'll be sharing the finer details of our chat in a Saturday Weekender soon. Depinder moved to Australia from India at the age of 11 and grew up in the suburbs of Lake Macquarie, attending St Paul's Catholic College at Booragul and Merewether High School. She still resides in the area with her family and works part-time as a pharmacist. Also, Depinder's intimate supper club, Ghar, is up and running again and already booked out until October ... details are on her socials. MasterChef Australia: Back to Win airs Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm on 10. I stopped by QT Newcastle last week to meet Jana Restaurant & Bar's new executive chef, Carmine Mari, and sample his southern Italian-influenced menu. There's a lot of love in his cooking. Each dish is a nod to family, culture and tradition. It makes him proud to share the food he grew up with, you can tell. The thin-sliced roasted veal girello and tuna sauce with capers, pickled onion and croutons, as a starter, was a stand-out. I also loved the tuna crudo with blood orange, capers, Spanish onion and crispy shallot, and the burrata with ciambotta. The QT Lasagna with mortadella, zucchini, pistachio, smoked provolone and chilli potato gnocchi, and the potato gnocchi with Manjimup Black Truffle, sauteed field mushroom and parmesan? Wow. Then there was the delightful half-roast chicken with chicory, fregola, panchetta and jus gras pork cotoletta, and the dry-aged duck breast with roast beetroot, celeriac puree and Hunter Valley red wine reduction. Do yourself a favour and book a table for dinner. Babbingtons Restaurant & Bar at the Apollo International Hotel in Charlestown is turning 40. It's hosted countless special occasions over four decades, and is a bit of a hidden gem, really. Favourable word of mouth leads many a curious diner there. "Babbingtons has always been more than just a restaurant - it's a place where memories are made," said Apollo's sales and marketing co-ordinator Maree Bendeich. "We've had the privilege of being part of our guests' special moments for decades, and we're looking forward to being part of many more to come." To mark this 40-year milestone, Babbingtons is hosting a cocktail celebration from 6pm on Friday, August 16, and you're invited. Phonic Duo will be performing, and there will be wine tastings by Oatley Wines. Tickets are $40 and include a limited-edition glass to take home as a keepsake. Book now through Sticky Tickets or email sales@ Comedian Merrick Watts is bringing An Idiot's Guide to Wine: Volume 2 to Newcastle's Spiegeltent on September 13 and 14. He's a qualified wine expert who judges at some of the most prestigious wine shows around the country, and on the night will be introducing people to six stand-out Australian wines, sharing tasting notes and snack pairings as well as plenty of highly questionable words of wisdom. Tickets are on sale now. Real McCoy, via VOK Beverages, recently sent me an interesting pitch: "Not all whiskeys are made for quiet reflection. Some are built to show up bold, smooth, and ready to turn any night into a good one." Intrigued, I sampled two of their new flavoured whiskey liqueurs, the Real McCoy Salted Caramel and the Real McCoy Buttered Popcorn. The Salted Caramel is silky and rich, with notes of creamy vanilla, toasty caramel, and a touch of sea salt, layered with hints of oak and butterscotch. A fine addition to an espresso martini. The Buttered Popcorn blends vanilla, caramel and butter with toasted oak, and works well with a whiskey sour. "With Real McCoy, we set out to redefine what a whiskey liqueur could be," brand manager Joh Einarson said. "We've focused on bold but balanced flavours crafted to be layered, versatile and genuinely enjoyable." It gets people talking at a social gathering, that's for sure. Details at Paired at Peregrin returns to The Beach Hotel at Merewether next Friday, July 25. This time around, the popular long-table dinner is a five-course truffle degustation featuring Gilbert Family Wines and Oakshade Truffles. Winemaker Will Gilbert and Oakshade Truffles owner Matt will share the passion and craft behind their produce, and you'll receive a drink on arrival. Tickets are $155 per person at And here's a sneak peek at the menu, which includes beef cheek and truffle vol-au-vent with shaved fresh truffle and pecorino; traditionelle half-shell scallop with pork belly and truffle polenta; prawn and truffle raviolo with truffle-cured egg yolk and burnt butter sauce; and lamb wellington with chard leaves, prosciutto, truffle and shiraz jus. Yum. Pilgrim's Pizzas has opened at 21 Main Road, Boolaroo. And, speaking of, Parks Bistro at Boolaroo Sports Club has a new, budget-friendly lunch specials menu. Goodtime Burgers are back at The Exchange for one weekend only, July 25 to 27. The Flotilla's new Late Winter Menu has launched. Fermento Pizza Joint has opened at 436 Maitland Road, Mayfield. Esca Bimbadgen is hosting a 1920s-inspired Speakeasy night on Friday, July 25. If you're not watching MasterChef Australia: Back to Win right now, you're missing out on some world-class cooking from the top eight contestants. One of them is Lake Macquarie pharmacist, cook and mother-of-two Depinder Chhibber, who bowled over the judges with her decadent Raj Kachori in a recent episode. She's a popular contestant, and for good reason. Talking to her on Monday, I was struck by her intellect, her sense of humour, and her generosity of spirit ... not to mention her cooking talent. I'll be sharing the finer details of our chat in a Saturday Weekender soon. Depinder moved to Australia from India at the age of 11 and grew up in the suburbs of Lake Macquarie, attending St Paul's Catholic College at Booragul and Merewether High School. She still resides in the area with her family and works part-time as a pharmacist. Also, Depinder's intimate supper club, Ghar, is up and running again and already booked out until October ... details are on her socials. MasterChef Australia: Back to Win airs Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm on 10. I stopped by QT Newcastle last week to meet Jana Restaurant & Bar's new executive chef, Carmine Mari, and sample his southern Italian-influenced menu. There's a lot of love in his cooking. Each dish is a nod to family, culture and tradition. It makes him proud to share the food he grew up with, you can tell. The thin-sliced roasted veal girello and tuna sauce with capers, pickled onion and croutons, as a starter, was a stand-out. I also loved the tuna crudo with blood orange, capers, Spanish onion and crispy shallot, and the burrata with ciambotta. The QT Lasagna with mortadella, zucchini, pistachio, smoked provolone and chilli potato gnocchi, and the potato gnocchi with Manjimup Black Truffle, sauteed field mushroom and parmesan? Wow. Then there was the delightful half-roast chicken with chicory, fregola, panchetta and jus gras pork cotoletta, and the dry-aged duck breast with roast beetroot, celeriac puree and Hunter Valley red wine reduction. Do yourself a favour and book a table for dinner. Babbingtons Restaurant & Bar at the Apollo International Hotel in Charlestown is turning 40. It's hosted countless special occasions over four decades, and is a bit of a hidden gem, really. Favourable word of mouth leads many a curious diner there. "Babbingtons has always been more than just a restaurant - it's a place where memories are made," said Apollo's sales and marketing co-ordinator Maree Bendeich. "We've had the privilege of being part of our guests' special moments for decades, and we're looking forward to being part of many more to come." To mark this 40-year milestone, Babbingtons is hosting a cocktail celebration from 6pm on Friday, August 16, and you're invited. Phonic Duo will be performing, and there will be wine tastings by Oatley Wines. Tickets are $40 and include a limited-edition glass to take home as a keepsake. Book now through Sticky Tickets or email sales@ Comedian Merrick Watts is bringing An Idiot's Guide to Wine: Volume 2 to Newcastle's Spiegeltent on September 13 and 14. He's a qualified wine expert who judges at some of the most prestigious wine shows around the country, and on the night will be introducing people to six stand-out Australian wines, sharing tasting notes and snack pairings as well as plenty of highly questionable words of wisdom. Tickets are on sale now. Real McCoy, via VOK Beverages, recently sent me an interesting pitch: "Not all whiskeys are made for quiet reflection. Some are built to show up bold, smooth, and ready to turn any night into a good one." Intrigued, I sampled two of their new flavoured whiskey liqueurs, the Real McCoy Salted Caramel and the Real McCoy Buttered Popcorn. The Salted Caramel is silky and rich, with notes of creamy vanilla, toasty caramel, and a touch of sea salt, layered with hints of oak and butterscotch. A fine addition to an espresso martini. The Buttered Popcorn blends vanilla, caramel and butter with toasted oak, and works well with a whiskey sour. "With Real McCoy, we set out to redefine what a whiskey liqueur could be," brand manager Joh Einarson said. "We've focused on bold but balanced flavours crafted to be layered, versatile and genuinely enjoyable." It gets people talking at a social gathering, that's for sure. Details at Paired at Peregrin returns to The Beach Hotel at Merewether next Friday, July 25. This time around, the popular long-table dinner is a five-course truffle degustation featuring Gilbert Family Wines and Oakshade Truffles. Winemaker Will Gilbert and Oakshade Truffles owner Matt will share the passion and craft behind their produce, and you'll receive a drink on arrival. Tickets are $155 per person at And here's a sneak peek at the menu, which includes beef cheek and truffle vol-au-vent with shaved fresh truffle and pecorino; traditionelle half-shell scallop with pork belly and truffle polenta; prawn and truffle raviolo with truffle-cured egg yolk and burnt butter sauce; and lamb wellington with chard leaves, prosciutto, truffle and shiraz jus. Yum. Pilgrim's Pizzas has opened at 21 Main Road, Boolaroo. And, speaking of, Parks Bistro at Boolaroo Sports Club has a new, budget-friendly lunch specials menu. Goodtime Burgers are back at The Exchange for one weekend only, July 25 to 27. The Flotilla's new Late Winter Menu has launched. Fermento Pizza Joint has opened at 436 Maitland Road, Mayfield. Esca Bimbadgen is hosting a 1920s-inspired Speakeasy night on Friday, July 25.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
MasterChef Australia: Back to Win OTT Release Date - When and where to watch, what to expect from 2025 edition
MasterChef Australia: Back to Win OTT Release Date - The much-anticipated 17th season of this hit cooking show is ready to premiere in India exclusively on JioHotstar starting April 29, 2025. New episodes will be released daily, allowing fans to follow the culinary journey of returning contestants as they compete for the coveted title and a grand prize of $250,000. What's new in MasterChef Australia: Back to Win? This season brings back 24 fan-favourite contestants from previous seasons, ranging from Season 1 to Season 16. These returning chefs are set to showcase their growth and compete in high-stakes challenges under the guidance of the show's esteemed judges. The judging panel includes Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Sofia Levin. Who is returning in MasterChef Australia: Back to Win? Here's the full list of 24 contestants competing in MasterChef Australia: Back to Win 2025: Alana Lowes (Season 3 – 3rd place) Andre Ursini (Season 1 – 7th place) Audra Morrice (Season 4 – 3rd place) Beau Cook (Season 4 – 8th place) Ben Macdonald (Season 6 – 6th place) Callum Hann (Season 2 & 12 – 2nd & 4th place) Cath Collins (Season 15 – 5th place) Darrsh Clarke (Season 16 – 6th place) Declan Cleary (Season 15 – 3rd place) Depinder Chhibber (Season 13 – 8th place) Jamie Fleming (Season 6 – 4th place) Jimmy Wong (Season 8 – 19th place) Laura Sharrad (Season 6 & 12 – 2nd, 2nd place) Matt Hopcraft (Season 7 – 6th place) Pete Campbell (Season 13 – 2nd place) Rhiannon Anderson (Season 15 – 2nd place) Rue Mupedzi (Season 15 – 7th place) Samira El Khafir (Season 5 – 3rd place) Sarah Todd (Season 6 & 14 – 9th, 2nd place) Savindri Perera (Season 16 – 3rd place) Snezana Calic (Season 16 – 15th place) Steph De Sousa (Season 11 – 12th place) Theo Loizou (Season 15 – 4th place) Tim Bone (Season 11 – 4th place) What to expect from MasterChef Australia: Back to Win? MasterChef Australia: Back to Win 2025 promises to be bigger, tougher, and more emotional than ever. Plus, with special guests like Gordon Ramsay making appearances, the pressure in the kitchen will be sky-high. Fans can look forward to creative plating, global flavours, and heartwarming personal stories as the contestants chase their dream of winning the MasterChef title they once missed.
Daily Mail
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
MasterChef Australia star makes shock admission ahead of 2025 premiere: 'I'm a bit rusty'
Andre Ursini has made a shocking admission ahead of his long-awaited return to MasterChef Australia after making his TV debut on the show 16 years ago. The celebrity cook, 44, shot to fame on the Channel Ten series in 2009 and went on to become an award-winning foodie—but now the hospitality businessman has revealed he may be 'a bit rusty' for his return to television. He revealed on Sunday that since his rise to fame, Andre has barely stepped foot in a kitchen and often 'delegates' as he manages his successful restaurants, reported The Sunday Mail. 'I haven't cooked in a long time,' Andre said. 'As I developed these businesses, it took me away from the kitchen. I delegate a lot, it's been less hands-on. It's more about managing people and numbers. 'Now I just want to concentrate on cooking again and have some fun—that's my main agenda.' Andre Ursini has made a shocking admission ahead of his long-awaited return to MasterChef Australia after making his TV debut on the show 16 years ago Andre is set to return to the kitchen in the upcoming season of MasterChef Australia: Back to Win. The chef and restaurateur posted the news on his Instagram, along with a trailer for the upcoming season of the cooking competition. The preview features the dramatic moment he was booted off the show in season one. 'I got eliminated on a Sri Lankan curry taste test,' the Adelaide food guru said in the voice over. Also included is new footage of a now bearded Andre working on a recipe. 'I haven't been in the MasterChef kitchen for about 16 years... bloody long time,' he continued. 'I'm back, time to start cooking again.' He also teased his hopes for the new season. The celebrity cook shot to fame on the Channel Ten series in 2009 and went on to become an award-winning foodie—but now the hospitality businessman has revealed he may be 'a bit rusty' for his return to television 'I've ticked all my food creative goals, my work goals, my life goals,' he said. 'But I've never held that [MasterChef] trophy.' The former reality star has opened several notable eateries in South Australia, including the award-winning Andre's Cucina & Polenta Bar in Adelaide, ORSO, Villetta Porcini, Lost Phoenix Farm and Willmott's Gastronomia. Meanwhile, speculation is mounting that former MasterChef judge Melissa Leong could be returning to the show. According to a well-placed source, Melissa, 43, is putting wheels in motion to return to the cooking competition show, but only if another judge isn't there. 'Melissa told Ten that she'll go back to MasterChef Australia when Andy Allen goes,' a TV insider told Daily Mail Australia. 'I think the idea of returning to what the show once was for her seems a bit daunting and the only way Melissa would ever return is if the whole format was revamped.' Melissa left MasterChef Australia last year under a cloud of suspicion about an alleged feud with her former co-host Allen. Following revelations of backstage tensions between Melissa and crew members employed by Ten's production partner Endemol Shine in 2022, came news she was no longer in the MasterChef Australia line-up. Melissa shocked fans when she shared news of her departure to Instagram one day before the network's 2024 Upfronts. 'The changing of the guard is one I always planned to embrace, and I'm so glad to do that on my terms, today,' she penned last October. Meanwhile, affable Andy, 36, returned to the show in 2024 alongside three new judges. Media darling Poh Ling Yeow, Michelin-star chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and Melbourne food critic Sofia Levin have all joined. Melissa's departure came after claims she had been axed following a string of publicised off-camera dramas.
