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Grab your aprons and dust off your toque blanches because MasterChef is back.
And this time, Channel 10 is bringing back literally all of your favourite contestants from the past 11 seasons to have one more chance of taking home the coveted title.
The new season will premiere on Channel 10 on Monday April 13 at 7:30pm.
Watch the trailer for Masterchef Australia 2020 here. Post continues after video.
This season will also have all new judges – Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong and Andy Allen – who will take the helm of the show.
Here are the 24 beloved former contestants who will be returning for season 12, and what they’ve been doing since their respective departures.
Poh Ling Yeow
Poh Ling Yeow lost to Julie Goodwin in the first season of MasterChef.
"I’ve been waiting for this moment for 10 years and now I’m back. I have a little bit of unfinished business," she told Mamamia in a statement.
She's had a successful career as a chef in the years following MasterChef, with her own cooking show Poh's Kitchen and three cookbooks.
Hayden Quinn
Hayden Quinn is one of the most successful exports MasterChef Australia has seen after he placed sixth in season three.
“MasterChef changed my life. I’m stoked to be going up against the best of the best. I’ve learnt a lot, my skills have improved, I’m here to take it out," the chef told Mamamia in a statement.
He has hosted Hayden Quinn South Africa and Surfing the Menu Next Generation on the ABC, but his self-described baby is Taste Of Australia which first aired on Network 10 in February.
Jess Liemantara
Jess Liemantara, from Victoria, was 19 years old when she entered the MasterChef kitchen in season 10, placing fourth.
Jess, once again the youngest contestant this season, has proven she’s the reigning Sweet Queen, recently self-publishing her first cookbook, A Zest of Jess.
Since leaving MasterChef, Jess has also worked as a pastry chef at Om Nom Dessert Bar, The Press Club and Nobu Melbourne.
Khanh Ong
Khanh Ong placed third on Season 10 of MasterChef.
Since then, he has joined The George on Collins and co-hosted episodes of My Market Kitchen. Plus, he has written a cookbook due for release this July.
Laura Sharrad (nee Cassai)
Laura Sharrad (known then as Laura Cassai) was the runner-up in season six, losing to Brent Owens.
After the show, she worked as the pastry chef alongside new judge Jock Zonfrillo at his acclaimed hatted restaurant Orana, before moving onto Andre's Cucina for three years.
Last year, the now 24-year-old opened up her own restaurant, Nido Bar and Pasta with her husband and fellow chef Max Sharrad.
Lynton Tapp
Lynton Tapp, from Victoria, was the runner-up in season five.
Following the competition, Lynton trained under chef Matt Germanchis, and in 2016 released his debut cookbook, Outback Pantry. He has also hosted two television shows – A Taste of Travel and My Market Kitchen on Network 10.
Amina Elshafei
Amina Elshafei was a fan-favourite on season four of MasterChef, placing 11th overall.
Since then, she has published her cookbook, Amina’s Home Cooking, and hosted food events and pop-ups around Australia.
She is currently working as a paediatric nurse.
Dani Venn
Dani Venn placed fourth on season three of MasterChef, before she hosted her own television show Weekend Feast.
She is also the director of Eat it Up Creative and the founder of The Wholehearted Cook.
Ben Milbourne
Ben Milbourne, from Tasmania, came fifth on season four.
Following MasterChef, he embarked on a successful media career with his TV show Ben’s Menu which aired on Network 10 for three seasons. He later featured on the SBS Food Network's Andy and Ben Eat Australia with now-judge, Andy Allen.
Ben also owns and operates a modern Australian restaurant in Devonport, CharlotteJack, named after his two children.
Reece Hignell
Reece Hignell, from New South Wales, left the competition in sixth place in 2018.
Now a confident cake baker, he loves making anything sweet.
Ben Ungermann
Known as the 'Ice Cream King', Ben Ungermann was the runner-up on season nine of the competition.
After the show, he soon launched Ungermann Brothers, an ice cream parlour, alongside his brother Danny in Ipswich. The business also recently opened a second parlour on the Gold Coast.
Reynold Poernomo
Reynold Poernomo placed fourth on the seventh season of the competition.
"When I was eliminated, it was gut-wrenching. Absolutely devastating. I’m sacrificing a lot to be here but it’s worth it for the chance to win," he told Mamamia in a statement.
Brendan Pang
Brendan Pang ultimately came ninth on season 10 in 2018.
He now has his own dumpling kitchen, Bumplings, in Fremantle. He’s also written a cookbook, due to be released in May.
Rose Adam
Rose Adam was a fan favourite during season seven, leaving the competition in 10th place.
Just six weeks after her elimination, she opened her café, The Middle Store, alongside her siblings in Adelaide.
Callum Hann
Callum Hann was the season two runner-up of MasterChef.
"Everyone who’s here is at the top of their game. This is going to be really, really tough. There’s cookbook authors, TV presenters, restaurant owners and those who just missed out," he told Mamamia in a statement.
Sarah Clare
On season 10 of Masterchef, Tasmania native Sarah Clare came 10th.
Sarah now runs her own restaurant, ILHA in Cygnet, which features a modern Australian menu with South American influences.
Chris Badenoch
Chris Badenoch came third on season one of MasterChef, losing to Julie Goodwin and Poh Ling Yeow.
MasterChef didn't just ignite his passion for cooking - it also introduced him to fellow contestant Julia Jenkins, who is now his wife.
Sarah Tiong
Sarah Tiong became known for her vivacious personality on season nine of the competition, ultimately placing sixth.
Sarah Tiong is a part-time lawyer and is currently working on a cookbook, due to be published this year.
Courtney Roulston
Courtney Roulston placed fourth on season two of the competition.
Since then she has presented her own TV show, Farm to Fork on Network 10 and has written two books, The Salad Kitchen and Salads In A Jar.
Simon Toohey
Simon Toohey came third in last year's season of MasterChef.
He has since launched the Sustainable Earth Network, focusing on promoting the idea of utilising whole ingredients and minimising food waste.
Emelia Jackson
Emelia Jackson made a name for herself as the 'Sweet Queen' on MasterChef, placing third on season six.
She currently creates bespoke wedding, engagement, birthday, and event cakes.
Tessa Boersma
Tessa Boersma was the runner-up on last year's season of MasterChef.
She is now more determined than ever to win that coveted trophy.
Harry Foster
Harry Foster, from Queensland, placed third on season eight of MasterChef.
Since then, he moved to Tasmania where, alongside other adventures, he worked in luxury accommodation, studied plant science, and co-opened a gin distillery.
Tracy Collins
Tracy Collins placed fifth on season six of the competition.
Since then, she started the highly successful Harvest Kitchen restaurant, which in 2016 was awarded best regional restaurant in South Australia.
Masterchef Australia will premiere on Channel 10 at 7:30pm on Monday April 13.
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Top Comments
I think this is brilliant although I hope there is no favouritism from Andy when he’s judging his best mate Ben (who I can’t stand). Poh for the win!
This is probably a very smart move from the network. Loyal viewers (like me) not wishing to embrace the new judges may just take a peek given the old favourite contestants are on.