Channel 10 confirms that a major international star will join MasterChef Australia as a judge following the death of Jock Zonfrillo
After months of speculation, Channel 10 has finally confirmed that celebrity chef and restaurateur Jaimie Oliver will join the cast of MasterChef Australia in 2024.
On Thursday, the network confirmed that Oliver, 48, will serve as a guest judge for the first two weeks of the new season.
The beloved British foodie is joined by regular MasterChef star Andy Allen and new judge and former MasterChef contestant Poh Ling Yeow.
Other jury members include food critic Sofia Levin and restauranteur Jean-Christophe Novell.
Filming has already started in Melbourne for the new season, which will air in 2024.
After months of speculation, Channel 10 has finally confirmed that celebrity chef and restaurateur Jaimie Oliver will join the cast of MasterChef Australia in 2024. Pictured: The new look cast for next season (L-R) food critic Sofia Levin, Oliver, Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow and restauranteur Jean-Christophe Novelli
In the meantime, TV tonightt reports that Oliver’s two-week stint in the upcoming season will be the longest stint by a guest judge in the show’s 14-year history.
Jamie first appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef during season four in 2012.
Previously, Oliver was rumored to replace late Judge Jock Zonfrillo as permanent judge in a $2 million deal.
Oliver will act as a guest judge for the first two weeks of the new season. TV Tonight reports that Oliver’s two-week stint in the upcoming season will be the longest appearance by a guest judge in the show’s history
The popular cooking competition was thrown into turmoil following the sudden death of judge Jock Zonfrillo at the age of 46 in April. Pictured: the former cast of MasterChef Australia including Melissa Leong (L), Jock Zonfrillo (cemtre) and Andy Allen (right)
The popular cooking competition was thrown into turmoil after Zonfrillo’s sudden death at the age of 46 in April.
Channel 10 announced shortly afterwards that it would be looking for a replacement for the fan favorite.
Judge Melissa Leong then left the show to launch her own spin-off series Desert Masters.
Since Zonfrillo’s death, MasterChef judge Melissa Leong left the show to launch her own spin-off series Desert Masters (pictured), which has already proven a hit with viewers
Following rumors that she had been ‘dumped’ by MasterChef, 41-year-old Leon took revenge this week after her new show proved to be a hit with viewers.
Dessert Masters had 451,000 fans in all major cities on Tuesday evening.
Appearing in the sweet series alongside celebrity pastry chef Amaury Guichon, Melissa has maintained her fan base and continues to gain new support.
It comes after the former MasterChef star insisted she has nothing but love for her co-stars on the Channel Ten cooking show, shortly after it was announced she will not be returning to the series next year.
The popular cooking competition was thrown into turmoil after Zonfrillo’s sudden death at the age of 46 in April. Channel 10 announced it would be looking for a replacement for the fan favorite
The food critic and TV personality spoke about a feud between herself and fellow judges Andy Allen and the late Jock Zonfrillo during a candid chat with Daily Mail Australia at The Birdcage at Flemington Racecourse last week.
“This isn’t my first rodeo,” Leong declared, shaking off the speculative stories as part of the course in the high-stakes world of reality TV.
When pressed about friction on the MasterChef set, Leong said: “I have nothing but love and respect for not only Andy, but everyone I’ve worked with.”
“We’re a team, we’re a family, and that’s all you really need to know,” Melissa added.