Daily Mail says food critic Sofia Levin will be the fourth judge. And Andy himself appears to confirm this in a statement.
2024 will be the start of a new chapter, and it will be surreal – yet brilliant – to share this moment with my fellow judges, Poh, Sofia and Jean-Christophe.’
Will have to find out tomorrow at upfronts
Or you can find out now. It’s from Andy’s mouth himself.
TV Tonight article:
Mastheads going with the “axed” line for sensationalism and clickbaits, but was she really? It could’ve been a mutual agreement or a request from Melissa, considering she’s remaining with the network and spearheading another show (spin-off Dessert Masters), perhaps all the commitment she wants to give?
I think Poh is a top choice and has been circling for years, also well and truly media savvy now from other networks shows and an OG, a fan favourite too.
Not so sure about the others though, however will no doubt become more mainstream household names, in the same way Melissa did and Andy Allen (for non-OG MasterChef viewers), if you consider Jock Zonfrillo was already better known.
Really happy that Poh took the judging panel for next year. And also for Andy, having him back, will be great after a extraordinary year. I’m really sad for Mel. I’m gonna miss those three as judges, that they started a new era and generation of Masterchef Australia back in 2020.
I reckon Dessert Masters will be 10’s Olympics counter-programming next year
I wish they bring back the hot n cold opener next year. It feels weird
Looks like you’re right as it is a short run series. Surprised it has an early renewal but with early evening over here it’s morning in Paris so there will be live coverage of completion on 9.
Otherwise it’s madness to have two masterchef editions back to back.
Introducing A Smorgasbord Of Fresh Faces in 2024.
Some news has been slow cooking in the MasterChef Australia kitchen, and now it’s time to lift the cloche on what’s in store for 2024.
Next year, the world of MasterChef begins a new era with a selection of homegrown heroes and international superstars completing the family.
MasterChef Australia Season 16 will see Andy Allen carry on Jock Zonfrillo’s legacy alongside three new judges: MasterChef alumnus Poh Ling Yeow, food critic and journalist Sofia Levin, and multi–Michelin Star award-winning chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli.
As both a judge and former winner of MasterChef Australia, Andy Allen is the success story that exemplifies what the nation’s favourite cooking show is all about.
Andy said: “MasterChef Australia has been part of my life for over a decade. It gave me a pathway into the industry and led me to a career that I’m forever grateful for. After an extremely difficult year in 2023, and upon reflection, the decision to return to the series is not one I took lightly.
“But there is something special in the MasterChef Australia Kitchen, and it feels right to come back to work with the amazing production team, and to play my role in seeing the contestants do as I have done. 2024 will be the start of a new chapter, and it will be surreal - yet brilliant - to share this moment with my fellow judges, Poh, Sofia and Jean-Christophe.”
As the much-loved runner-up of MasterChef Australia’s debut season, Poh Ling Yeow has been part of the MasterChef family from the start.
Poh said: “Talk about a thrilling, full circle moment. MasterChef Australia is where my food story began, so this feels like coming home. A big part of me will always be standing on the other side with the contestants and I hope when they look to me, they see proof you don’t have to win to win.”
A stalwart of the food reviewing scene for over a decade, Sofia Levin brings a keen critical eye to the kitchen. A driving force behind the #EatCuriously movement, Sofia encourages everyone to eat outside their comfort zone and embrace diverse cuisines and cultures.
Sofia said: “The first season of MasterChef Australia aired the same year I started writing about food. By the time I graduated from journalism, I was sharing lesser-known food stories, while the show was exposing the nation to cuisines and cultures they had never considered before. Becoming a judge on MasterChef feels like two parallel paths converging, and I am giddy with excitement at the people I get to stand beside.”
Bringing the international star power is lauded French chef, author, and restaurateur, Jean-Christophe Novelli. The 5/5 AA Rosette awarded, multi–Michelin Star winner owns one of the world’s top cookery schools and knows how to get the best out of aspiring chefs.
Jean-Christophe said: “Fostering culinary talent is something I have cared about for many years, and it is a passion I am excited to share in the MasterChef Kitchen. Australian cuisine has a remarkable reputation on the world stage, and it will be a great privilege to meet and mentor the country’s top home cooks on their journeys to greatness.”
MasterChef Australia will continue to be a magnet for the world’s biggest culinary icons in 2024, welcoming an array of guest chefs from across the globe.
In some sweet news, Dessert Masters has already been confirmed for a second season ahead of its November debut. The icing on the cake? Confirmation that the series will again be helmed by iconic judge, Melissa Leong, and pastry prodigy, Amaury Guichon.
Melissa said: “Over the past four years, MasterChef Australia has infused my life with something truly magical. It has provided me with life-changing experiences that have given me the courage to continue to put myself outside of my comfort zone.
“It is with great enthusiasm and warmth that I welcome new faces Sofia, Poh, and Jean-Christophe, to this very special family, I know they will make it theirs in their own special way, as we did.
“The great honour of growing the MasterChef Australia family with the introduction of Dessert Masters is not lost on me. I relish the sweet opportunity to nurture this special series alongside Amaury.”
Amaury said: “I had an incredible time filming Dessert Masters in Australia, and I can’t wait for audiences to fall in love with this season and savour every moment the same way I did. It is a great honour for me to be able to return for season two alongside Melissa Leong to serve up a whole new set of sweet challenges!”
Just like a good dish, the MasterChef Australia universe is only as strong as the ingredients that go into it; with a line-up like this, the franchise is on track for a perfect scorecard in 2024.
MasterChef Australia is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay company). Format created by Franc Roddam and represented internationally by Banijay Rights.
(10’s official release)
All these articles making out like Mel’s been axed is a bit dramatic, when she’s really been given a key spot on another show.
The move makes sense. Filming both seasons a year would be too big of a commitment, having different judges on Dessert Masters differentiates it from MasterChef and this also means that Jock isn’t the only judge not returning to the main season.
It’s the right timing and I think it’s a good change. Although as much as I like Poh, it seems odd to have a former contestant as a judge that didn’t win. If the 4 judge line-up is true then it could mean she’s more of a fill in or only on particular nights.
But Poh was a fan favourite. It would make sense if she was a judge. Plus she’s very successful
More info on Sofia Levin
https://www.delicious.com.au/people-events/people/sofia-levin/nkvoc0zm
Jean-Christophe Novelli has appeared on numerous TV shows in the UK and the US.
a really good positive feedback on Andy & Mel regarding their commitments on MCAU.
I’m guessing that Poh and Andy will be at Upfronts tomorrow
Geez, 10 better hope that Dessert Masters doesn’t flop ratings-wise when it launches in a few weeks time otherwise the decision to remove Mel from the main show could be foolhardy….
As for MasterChef, think it’s a risky move to have yet another brand new judging panel. Yes there was always going to be change due to Jock’s tragic passing and yes Poh being a fan favourite means she’ll be welcomed with open arms. However, 10 are making one almighty gamble for a spin-off show that hasn’t even launched yet.
I remember Matty Preston did MCAU: the professional with Marco Pierre White and still doing both shows that went to air.
Given some of Mel’s previous comments, and usually I’m cynical about “doing it on my terms”, but I actually think this was Mel’s decision to move on from MasterChef next year and I think saying she’s been axed is a stretch.
