MasterChef Australia is ushering in a new era, with the impending season – starting 22 April – introducing international stars, 22 home cooks, and an all-new judging lineup.
Andy Allen will remain on the show, joined by three new judges including alumnus Poh Ling Yeow, food critic and journalist Sofia Levin, and multi-Michelin Star award-winning chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli.
Last April, judge Jock Zonfrillo passed away aged 46 just before the last season was set to air. In October, the day before Ten’s upfront in October, it was revealed judge Melissa Leong would not be returning to the format in 2024, with only Allen remaining as part of the new four-judge line up.
The 2024 season will see the cast and crew return to Hong Kong for the first time since season one in 2009, 15 years ago. The cooking show will film three episodes in the culinary hot spot, which is home to 77 Michelin-starred restaurants and over 15,000 dining establishments.
MasterChef Australia will be travelling to the city in association with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and Cathay Pacific Airways.
“I’ve never been to Hong Kong, but I’ve been really interested in the place for a long time,” Allen said. That’s because I see the city’s array of food is off the charts: it’s a melting pot of different cultures, bold flavours, and one-of-a-kind ingredients.
“Blending Michelin-starred restaurants with bustling street markets, it seems to have this world-class food culture going on. It’s so good that now myself, the other judges, and contestants can finally get amongst it this season.”
MasterChef Australia is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay company). The format was created by Franc Roddam and represented internationally by Banijay Rights.
MasterChef Australia premieres Monday, 22 April at 7:30 pm on 10 and 10 Play.