Reports say Channel Ten is set to announce their three replacements for MasterChef judges Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris today, after confirming that all three would be exiting the series after last night’s finale.
In a statement to Mamamia, Network 10 chief executive officer Paul Anderson confirmed that the exit of the high-profile judges was due to failed negotiations that have been happening behind-the-scenes of the highly-rated competitive cooking show.
“Despite months of negotiation, 10 has not been able to reach a commercial agreement that was satisfactory to Matt, Gary and George,” he said.
“Across 11 sensational seasons, MasterChef Australia has established itself as one of the most popular and respected cooking television series around the world.
“For more than a decade, the iconic series has shaped and driven the Australian public’s passion for food and cooking, delivered iconic television moments, and made the culinary dreams of everyday home cooks come true.”
Culinary dreams will continue to come true when the series returns in 2020, albeit with three different judges.
According to Who Magazine, the replacement judges are already familiar faces to MasterChef fans.
Maggie Beer, Curtis Stone, and Poh Ling Yeow are set to take over hosting duties next year, Who reported being told by a “MasterChef insider”.
The three names have come up with fans on Twitter since Preston, Mehigan and Calombaris’ departure was announced, along with others like Nigella Lawson, Kylie Kwong and Shannon Bennett.
Here’s what you need to know about the three high-profile chefs reported to be taking over the reigns in season 12 next year.
Poh Ling Yeow.
Poh Ling Yeow, 46, is very familiar with the pressure MasterChef contestants feel in the kitchen.
She came runner-up in the first season of the show and has gone on to have a successful career on TV and has released a number of cookbooks.
Maggie Beer.
Legendary chef Maggie Beer, 74, is often called the Queen of the Kitchen.
Beer is best known for her shop and restaurant Pheasant Farm in the Barossa Valley and has been another regular guest judge on MasterChef.
She’s also been a judge on The Great Australian Bake Off since 2015.
Curtis Stone.
43-year-old Michelin Star winning chef Curtis Stone has appeared on a number of cooking reality shows over the years, including as a guest judge on My Kitchen Rules. He even co-hosted the US version of MKR in 2017.
He’s appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef in both 2018 and 2019, so is no stranger to the show.
Despite Who‘s report, Channel 10 has downplayed speculation it’s already found replacement judges, telling News Corp no decision has yet been made.
Top Comments
Here is everything you need to know about something that probably isnt happening.
Yes for Poh, Maggie and Kylie!! Curtis gives the impression he would be a bit hard to work for, demanding and grumpy. Why not three women judges this time?