MasterChef Australia‘s new season has been rescheduled to launch on Sunday (May 7) evening following the death of judge Jock Zonfrillo.
The 15th season of the Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia cooking competition had been set to launch this past Sunday in Australia but was postponed after it emerged Zonfrillo had unexpectedly died aged 46.
Zonfrillo’s family have given their blessing to Network 10’s plan, according to the channel. Filming had already wrapped, with Zonfrillo, Andy Allen and Melissa Leong the judging trio. A special dedicated to the chef and broadcaster will air directly before the episode on current affairs show The Sunday Project.
“With the full support of Jock Zonfrillo’s family, MasterChef Australia will air at 7.30pm on Sunday, May 7,” said the report.
“MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo took great pride in challenging and coaching the contestants and of course inspiring a nation of home cooks.
“It...
The 15th season of the Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia cooking competition had been set to launch this past Sunday in Australia but was postponed after it emerged Zonfrillo had unexpectedly died aged 46.
Zonfrillo’s family have given their blessing to Network 10’s plan, according to the channel. Filming had already wrapped, with Zonfrillo, Andy Allen and Melissa Leong the judging trio. A special dedicated to the chef and broadcaster will air directly before the episode on current affairs show The Sunday Project.
“With the full support of Jock Zonfrillo’s family, MasterChef Australia will air at 7.30pm on Sunday, May 7,” said the report.
“MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo took great pride in challenging and coaching the contestants and of course inspiring a nation of home cooks.
“It...
- 5/3/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Jock Zonfrillo, the MasterChef Australia judge and award-winning Scottish chef, has died unexpectedly. He was 46.
His family confirmed his death in a statement: “With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possibly move through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday.
“So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told, but at this time we’re too overwhelmed to put them into words. For those who crossed his path, became his mate, or were lucky enough to be in his family, keep this proud Scot in your hearts when you next have a whisky.”
A new season of MasterChef Australia was due to air this week, but has been postponed.
In a statement, Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia said: “Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved...
His family confirmed his death in a statement: “With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possibly move through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday.
“So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told, but at this time we’re too overwhelmed to put them into words. For those who crossed his path, became his mate, or were lucky enough to be in his family, keep this proud Scot in your hearts when you next have a whisky.”
A new season of MasterChef Australia was due to air this week, but has been postponed.
In a statement, Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia said: “Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved...
- 5/1/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Reality show The announcement comes on the heels of a controversy around George Calombaris for underpaying restaurant staff by Aud $7.8 million. Tnm StaffMasterchef Australia, the competitive cooking show with cult following world over, has announced that it is bidding farewell to Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris, the three iconic celebrity chef judges who have been on the show for eleven seasons. In an Instagram post ahead of the telecast of the season finale, Masterchef Australia said that it was bidding a “fond farewell” to the trio. “For more than a decade, #MasterChefAU has celebrated Australian food and made the culinary dreams of everyday home cooks come true. We thank Matt, George and Gary for being a part of this remarkable MasterChef legacy!” it added. View this post on Instagram After 11 sensational seasons, we bid a fond farewell to our judges - Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris.
- 7/23/2019
- by Geetika
- The News Minute
Sandeep Pandit left Kashmir with his family when he was all of 8. Now he is exploring the culinary heritage of his roots as a contestant on "MasterChef Australia", leaving judges of the international reality TV show impressed.
A Kashmiri Pandit, Sandeep has been preparing Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Muji Chetin, Dhungar, Kahwa, Kabargah and Tehr, on the show judged by Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston.
According to Sandeep's contestant profile on the show's website, he was born in Kashmir in the early 1980s and spent eight years there with his family before militancy forced them south, leaving all their possessions and migrating to Bengaluru in 1990. It was here that Sandeep's passion for cooking grew.
The family didn't have a fridge, so his mother taught him how to cook 'dal' without having it stick to the hotplate, and how to boil food to prevent it spoiling.
It is these learnings that helped Sandeep,...
A Kashmiri Pandit, Sandeep has been preparing Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Muji Chetin, Dhungar, Kahwa, Kabargah and Tehr, on the show judged by Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston.
According to Sandeep's contestant profile on the show's website, he was born in Kashmir in the early 1980s and spent eight years there with his family before militancy forced them south, leaving all their possessions and migrating to Bengaluru in 1990. It was here that Sandeep's passion for cooking grew.
The family didn't have a fridge, so his mother taught him how to cook 'dal' without having it stick to the hotplate, and how to boil food to prevent it spoiling.
It is these learnings that helped Sandeep,...
- 6/8/2019
- GlamSham
Lucy Lawless, star of Cjz’s ‘My Life Is Murder’.
The newly-rebranded Network 10 on Wednesday night unveiled 13 new Australian shows for 2019 including romantic comedy Five Bedrooms, thriller The Secrets She Keeps and four entertainment series spun-off from shows which screened during Pilot Week.
Created by Michael Lucas and Christine Bartlett and produced by Hoodlum Entertainment, Five Bedrooms will follow five very different people who meet on the singles’ table at a wedding and decide to buy a house together.
Lingo Pictures’ The Secrets She Keeps is a psychological thriller based on the novel by Australian author Michael Robotham, a dark tale of two women from different walks of life who have one thing in common – explosive secrets that could destroy their lives.
Jonathan Gavin and Sarah Walker will script the six-part series. The protagonists are Meg, who has a handsome husband, two gorgeous children and a third bundle of joy on the way,...
The newly-rebranded Network 10 on Wednesday night unveiled 13 new Australian shows for 2019 including romantic comedy Five Bedrooms, thriller The Secrets She Keeps and four entertainment series spun-off from shows which screened during Pilot Week.
Created by Michael Lucas and Christine Bartlett and produced by Hoodlum Entertainment, Five Bedrooms will follow five very different people who meet on the singles’ table at a wedding and decide to buy a house together.
Lingo Pictures’ The Secrets She Keeps is a psychological thriller based on the novel by Australian author Michael Robotham, a dark tale of two women from different walks of life who have one thing in common – explosive secrets that could destroy their lives.
Jonathan Gavin and Sarah Walker will script the six-part series. The protagonists are Meg, who has a handsome husband, two gorgeous children and a third bundle of joy on the way,...
- 10/31/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Russell Crowe and David Stratton. (Photo: Mark Rogers)
Two Australian productions, Stranger Than Fiction Film’s David Stratton’s Stories of Australian Cinema and Endemol Shine Australia’s MasterChef Australia, are in contention for the 2018 International Emmy Awards.
Three-part series David Stratton’s Stories of Australian Cinema, produced for the ABC, is nominated for the Arts Programming Award. It will compete against Canada’s Dreaming of A Jewish Christmas (Riddle Films), Dutch production Etgar Keret, gebaseerd op een waar verhaal (Baldr Film/Ntr Television) and Brazil’s Palavras Em Série (Words in Series) (Gnt/Hungry Man).
Stories of Australian Cinema, directed by Sally Aitken and produced by Jen Peedom and Jo-anne McGowan, sees the film critic and former co-host of ABC’s At The Movies and Sbs’s The Movie Show reflect on Australian films, including interviews from the likes of Nicole Kidman, Judy Davis, Russell Crowe and Jacki Weaver,...
Two Australian productions, Stranger Than Fiction Film’s David Stratton’s Stories of Australian Cinema and Endemol Shine Australia’s MasterChef Australia, are in contention for the 2018 International Emmy Awards.
Three-part series David Stratton’s Stories of Australian Cinema, produced for the ABC, is nominated for the Arts Programming Award. It will compete against Canada’s Dreaming of A Jewish Christmas (Riddle Films), Dutch production Etgar Keret, gebaseerd op een waar verhaal (Baldr Film/Ntr Television) and Brazil’s Palavras Em Série (Words in Series) (Gnt/Hungry Man).
Stories of Australian Cinema, directed by Sally Aitken and produced by Jen Peedom and Jo-anne McGowan, sees the film critic and former co-host of ABC’s At The Movies and Sbs’s The Movie Show reflect on Australian films, including interviews from the likes of Nicole Kidman, Judy Davis, Russell Crowe and Jacki Weaver,...
- 9/28/2018
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
MasterChef's Matt Preston has revealed that he likes rival series My Kitchen Rules. The Australian food critic, who judges MasterChef Australia alongside chefs George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan, said that the next series of his programme will be all about the food. Preston told the Herald Sun that Channel Ten hopes to bring the competition back to basics this year, saying: "The first thing we look at is whether they can cook. "We could pick nuff nuffs who couldn't cook and it would make great TV, but it is not really what it is about." > Sarah Wilson: 'MasterChef has lost its allure' He said of My Kitchen Rules: "TV shows are about ratings. (more)...
- 3/1/2012
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
George Calombaris has hit out at the Australian government for new laws which he says force him to pay his restaurant staff more than he believes is necessary. The Australian celebrity chef, who is best known as a judge on reality TV show MasterChef, said that provisions in the federal government's new Fair Work Act mean he will have to pay employees in his Melbourne pasta bar up to $$40 (£26.65) an hour on Sundays. Calombaris told The Power Index: "It's not like they've had to go to uni for 15 years. The problem is that wages on public holidays and weekend greatly exceed the opportunity for profit. So our labour laws are something that need to be looked at.'' The new regime - which has also been criticised by chef Tony Bilson - will make eating out more expensive, Calombaris argued. However, workplace relationship minister (more)...
- 1/10/2012
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
George Calombaris has revealed his excitement at cooking for David Beckham. The celebrity chef, who is best known as one of the judges on MasterChef Australia, said that he was very happy to welcome footballer Beckham into his Melbourne restaurant Press Club last night. Calombaris told the Herald Sun: "This doesn't get any better. We've had the Prime Minister, recently Sarah Jessica Parker, but this for me is the ultimate. "Football is my passion. I always said if I wasn't going to be a chef I would have been a footballer. But I was just no good at playing it, hence I'm a chef. It's exciting for myself and my staff knowing someone of that calibre was coming in." Calombaris said that he added his own personal touch (more)...
- 12/5/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Greta Yaxley has won Australian Junior MasterChef 2011. The 11-year-old girl from Perth, who went up against 12-year-old Jack from Queensland in the two-part final, was announced as the winner of the second series of the reality television show after challenges from celebrity chefs Donna Hay and Tetsuya Wakuda After the first round, when the duo had to create a fruit dessert for Hay in one hour, Yaxley found herself in the lead by three points. In the second challenge, a pressure test where the finalists had to re-create a tian of spanner crab with dash stock and tofu for Wakuda, Yaxley got a string of perfect 10 scores from judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris, Anna Gare and Matt Moran, with Wakuda describing her dish as "beautifully balanced". After the result was announced, Yaxley said: "I feel, like, amazing! (more)...
- 11/24/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
The ratings for the Australian version of Junior MasterChef have dropped to an all-time low. The children's reality cooking show, which launched last year to ratings of 2.2 million, was watched on Monday night by 741,000 Australian viewers, making it only the 13th most watched programme of the night. According to Aap, 1.129 million viewers tuned in to the first episode of this season of Junior MasterChef three weeks ago, almost half the amount of last year's corresponding instalment. It has only been averaging at 800,000 viewers since. Last night's ratings was won by The Big Bang Theory with 1.523 million viewers, followed by The X Factor's live show, which later led to the elimination of Young Men's Society. Junior MasterChef judge George Calombaris recently revealed that he is aware that (more)...
- 10/19/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
George Calombaris has said that he finds fatherhood "beautiful". The Australian MasterChef judge, who welcomed James George into the world with partner Natalie Tricarico in August this year, said that he has become as soft as "marshmallow" since being a dad. Calombaris told Woman's Day magazine: "[Fatherhood] makes us strong men who run businesses and do all these things so soft - we become like marshmallows. I find myself sometimes just staring into his cot, just looking that he's breathing. "I still can't believe that we could do something like this. It's amazing what a new addition to the family does to everyone. It lifts everyone up. It's really beautiful." Calombaris compared becoming a father to building a (more)...
- 10/18/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Australian MasterChef's George Calombaris has revealed that he doesn't like Gordon Ramsay. The Aussie chef, who judges the reality television show alongside Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan, said that he doesn't want Ramsay to appear as a guest on his programme because he bullies contestants. Calombaris told the Herald Sun: "If they wanted to have Gordon on, okay, but I wouldn't stand for [him picking on people]. I would have to take him outside. "I don't believe it's necessary to belittle and attack a person. That's not what our show is about. When I signed on to do this I made it clear that I would not do that sort of thing. I hate bullying." Calombaris is currently filming Junior MasterChef and said that he is trying to teach all the young contestants that "failure is okay". (more)...
- 10/17/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Lara Bingle has been announced as one of the special celebrity guests at this year's Melbourne Cup. The Australian swimwear model, who used to be engaged to cricket captain Michael Clarke and recently split from rugby star Danny Cipriani, will reportedly join racing ambassadors Megan Gale and Samantha Harris in the David Jones marquee at the BMW Caulfield Cup this weekend. According to the Herald Sun, Celebrity Apprentice contestants Jesinta Campbell, Polly Porter, Pauline Hanson and Warwick Capper will attend the Nine Network's party, while MasterChef judge George Calombaris, The 7pm Project presenter Carrie Bickmore and singer Kate Ceberano will be VIPs in the BMW marquee. Dannii Minogue's partner Kris Smith is also scheduled to make a special appearance with his father (more)...
- 10/14/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Sarah Wilson has said that MasterChef has lost its "allure" for her. The 34-year-old Australian television presenter, who used to host the reality cooking show alongside judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston, admitted that she does not enjoy the show any more because she cannot watch it like the average viewer. Wilson told The Daily Telegraph: "I dipped in and out every now and again to keep an eye on things but I know it too well, it's lost the allure of the average person." The star also said that MasterChef's producers need to pay attention to criticism from viewers of this year's season and make appropriate changes. "They've got so much more competition with My Kitchen Rules and other reality shows, so I think they tried to pull out different tricks and techniques," (more)...
- 8/25/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Matt Preston has revealed that he has become more "comfortable" the older he has got. The food critic, who is best known as a judge on the Australian version of cooking reality show MasterChef alongside chefs Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris, recently celebrated his 50th birthday with a big party in Melbourne. "As you get older, I think you become more comfortable in who you are. Things don't matter so much, all that stuff you agonise over when you are young. You dance with more abandon!" he told New Idea magazine Preston joked that turning 50 is a "trauma", and said that he had a few requests for his birthday. "I would quite like a 40-hour day to spend more time with the family," (more)...
- 8/12/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
The format of Australian MasterChef may be reviewed next year. Matt Preston, who judges the reality television show alongside chefs Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris, said that producers of the show should take criticism on board after various viewers complained about makeover programme The Renovators being aired in between the two parts of Sunday night's MasterChef final. The food critic told The Daily Telegraph: "Our job is to listen to that criticism and see what is valid," while Mehigan added that the Ten Network should cut the show down to three nights a week. "Channel Ten would never let that happen [but] I don't want to kill it by being on air too much," he said. Mehigan also revealed that he would like to see visual changes (more)...
- 8/9/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Kate Bracks has won Australian MasterChef 2011. The 36-year-old mother from New South Wales, who dreams of opening a bed and breakfast in her home town of Orange, beat fellow finalist Michael Weldon in a three-part challenge to be crowned the winner of the cooking reality television show. Before the verdict was announced, judge George Calombaris told Weldon and Bracks: "There's a certain element of electricity in the air right now and I want you guys to stop for one second to never forget this moment. It's moments like this in life that are wonderful." After Bracks was revealed as the victor, Matt Preston told her: "What a winner you are. You cooked magnificently today. We want to thank you for the commitment you've made because your development has been phenomenal. Kate, you are an absolute credit to yourself and your family." She (more)...
- 8/8/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
The finalists for Australian MasterChef 2011 have been revealed. Kate Bracks emerged as the second contestant to make it to the final of this year's reality cooking competition after Alana Lowes was eliminated in last night's episode. Michael Weldon had already been announced as the first finalist in a previous challenge. Lowes was sent home after failing to impress the judges with her recreation of celebrity patissier Adriano Zumbo's fairytale gingerbread house. During the task, Lowes and Bracks had to create a roof covered in praline, tiles made from salted caramel, isomalt windows and a garden full of jellies and magic gum mushrooms. After her elimination, judge George Calombaris told Lowes: "The road hasn't come to an end, trust me," while Gary Mehigan praised her "creative touch". She replied: (more)...
- 8/5/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Dani Venn has been eliminated from MasterChef Australia after disappointing in a "food autobiography" challenge. The 25-year-old and her fellow finalists Michael Weldon, Kate Bracks and Alana Lowes were asked to create three courses that told their life story during the three-house challenge. The quartet had all come under fire after serving up raw chicken during a task earlier in the week. As a result, judges George Calombaris, Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan decided to place them all up for elimination instead of the bottom two. Venn said in a live chat with Herald Sun readers that she was happy with the way that producers portrayed her on the show, writing: "I really felt what came across was a true reflection of myself. I am emotional and happy and I was really (more)...
- 8/3/2011
- by By Kate Goodacre
- Digital Spy
The final four contestants on MasterChef have been slammed for plating up inedible food. Dani Venn, Alana Lowes, Kate Bracks and Michael Weldon were challenged to re-create a Maggie Beer chicken terrine in last night's episode but all four served raw chicken. Judges Matt Preston, George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Beer revealed that they could not eat some of the dishes for health and safety reasons, with Preston adding: "If a dish comes to your table in a restaurant and the main element is raw, you send it back - you're not happy." All four of the contestants will now face elimination rather (more)...
- 8/2/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
George Calombaris has become a father for the first time. The MasterChef judge's partner Natalie Tricarico gave birth to 3.26kg son James George at Melbourne's St Vincent's Hospital early on Thursday morning last week, two days after her due date. Mother and baby are both believed to be doing well. A Channel Ten spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph: "Everyone is happy and dad is over the moon. They are happy and well." Calombaris said of Tricarico's pregnancy earlier this year: "There's this (more)...
- 8/1/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
MasterChef judge George Calombaris's mother has become a sensation with the show's viewers. Mary Calombaris, who appeared on the Australian version of the cooking reality show two weeks ago to show the contestants how to make a traditional moussaka and to help her son with a Greek pressure test, has reportedly been offered various book deals since. George told the Herald Sun: "We have been inundated by publishing houses that want to sign her to do a cook book. That's not my mum. She doesn't want any of that. She just wants to have a bit of fun with her son every now and then." After she publicly told George off for "b**tardising" a traditional Greek dish during MasterChef filming, he said: "She gave me a bit of a caning. I could just imagine my [restaurant] staff were (more)...
- 7/6/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Danielle Dixon has left MasterChef. The 29-year-old admin manager, who made it to the last 12 contestants on the Australian version of the cooking reality television show, was eliminated after going head-to-head with Peter Vickery and Ellie Paxton-Hall in a duck challenge set by guest chef Matthew Kemp. Each contestant was asked to recreate a dish inspired by the traditional French duck a l'orange. Paxton-Hall impressed the judges with her "beautifully cooked" Szechuan crusted duck and Asian vinaigrette. Matt Preston praised the "nice fried crunch of the shallots", while George Calombaris said that her "fresh, lubricated salad" made him "salivate". Vickery was criticised for making a dish too similar to Kemp's creation. Preston said that his duck breast and braised garlic witlof was not "radically different" (more)...
- 6/28/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Matt Preston has caused controversy with a recent Facebook gaffe. The MasterChef judge, who adjudicates the Australian version of the reality cooking show alongside chefs Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris, announced on the social networking site earlier this week that contestant Hayden Quinn had won a second immunity pin before the episode had been aired. The post read: "So Hayden now has two immunity pins. Do you think he should be able to give one away? He's a nice guy, but maybe not that nice hey?" However, when the challenge aired on television, Quinn failed to win the pin. Many Facebook users responded angrily to Preston's post, telling him that his spoiler had ruined the upcoming episode for them. An hour later, the post was removed and a statement from Channel Ten claimed that it was a "mistype" and should have (more)...
- 6/23/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Last night's MasterChef elimination was changed at the last minute. The judges on the Australian version of the cooking reality series were planning on asking Danielle Dixon to leave the competition but moments before they announced the verdict, fellow contestant Adam Bowen asked if he could drop out instead. Bowen and Dixon earlier went head-to-head with Michael Weldon and Ellie Paxton-Hall to re-create a selection of Greek dishes made by judge George Calombaris's mother Mary. Calombaris and fellow judges Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan said that although Bowen's dishes looked pale and his tzatziki was "so salty", they could not forgive Dixon for plating up raw pastry and greasy food. After the challenge, Bowen told the judging panel that he felt extreme guilt at remaining in the competition because he had decided that being a chef is (more)...
- 6/21/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Shannon Smyth has left MasterChef. The 26-year-old receptionist from the Gold Coast, who has previously revealed that her dream is to open up a patisserie, was eliminated from the Australian version of the cooking show after going head-to-head with professional musician Craig Young. The duo were asked to create their best possible dish in 15 minutes using only nine ingredients. Young made prawns in a Thai chilli sauce, which judge Matt Preston said were a "big smack in your mouth of flavour" and George Calombaris described as "yummy". Smyth made a dessert of French toast, grilled figs, orange syrup and candied pistachios. Preston praised her "restaurant quality presentation", while Calombaris said that her French toast was "magnificent". However, both judges said that her syrup was "too thick and too sticky". (more)...
- 6/16/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Jay Huxley has accused the MasterChef judges of preferring sweet dishes. The 31-year-old car sales manager, who was eliminated from the Australian version of the cooking reality TV show earlier this week, said that Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan's penchant for sugar affected his chances of winning the competition. Huxley was asked to leave the show after failing to impress the judging panel with his interpretation of a Dan Hong pandan chiffon cake. Ellie Paxton-Hall and Dani Venn managed to retain their spots in the contest. The eliminated contestant later told the Herald Sun: "Dessert, pork crackling and onion rings are the ingredients [the judges love]. If you could make a pork cake with onion rings on it, you would be set. "[Desserts] are not something I'm particularly good at because (more)...
- 6/9/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
George Calombaris has revealed that his unborn child comes before his job. The Melbourne-based celebrity chef, who is a judge on Australian reality television show MasterChef, said that he would miss filming if his partner Natalie Trincarico went into labour early. The couple's first child is due on July 30, only a week after the third season of the cooking competition is expected to finish. Calombaris told the Herald Sun: "Family comes first, always. If my brother was in hospital, that's where I would be. I'm just so excited, and I want to be there every step of the way." He said that he hoped (more)...
- 5/23/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Dancing with the Stars has beaten MasterChef in the ratings war. Sunday night's debut episode of the dancing reality show's new season, which is aired on the Seven network, boasted an average of 1.505 million viewers. MasterChef's weekend episode, which saw judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston select the cooking show's top 24 contestants, had an audience of 1.503 million viewers. Seven boss Graeme Hill told the Herald Sun: "It is a ratings war. We strategised a plan and for us to come through and win is terrific for our schedule. We are thrilled." (more)...
- 5/10/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
George Calombaris has revealed that he doesn't want to find out the sex of his unborn baby. The Australian celebrity chef, who is a judge on reality series MasterChef alongside Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and Matt Moran, said that he and partner Natalie Tricarico are traditional and won't be asking the midwife to tell them the gender of their child. Calombaris told Woman's Day magazine: "I'm a bit old-fashioned that way. There are not many surprises left in life and I want that surprise." The couple announced that they were going to become parents in (more)...
- 5/9/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
A contestant on MasterChef has been praised by the judges for failing to produce a dish. South Australian John Hughes, who has cerebral palsy, refused to present his plate to judges George Calombaris, Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan in last night's episode because he felt that it was not up to scratch. After the cake pressure test designed by guest judge Maggie Beer, the winemaker said: "My food's not at a standard to present to my friends [or] my family. I'm not going to present to you guys today. Today you gave me a recipe, but time wise I was out of my depth." Preston told Hughes that he had "guts" to make the decision not to present and (more)...
- 5/4/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Matt Moran has revealed that he can be a "harsh" judge on MasterChef. The celebrity chef, who has joined George Calombaris, Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan on the judging panel in this year's Australian version of the cooking reality show, said that he thought he would be more lenient than he is with contestants. Moran told Woman's Day magazine: "I thought I would be the Mr Nice Guy judge. But I've found I can be pretty harsh! We have high standards because the skill level has gone up this season and the contestants are much more serious about the show. They're (more)...
- 5/4/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
The premiere of MasterChef Australia has beaten the Logie Awards in viewer ratings. The first episode of the third season of the reality cooking show, which stars Matt Preston, George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and new judge Matt Moran, was the most watched TV programme last night. According to The Daily Telegraph, MasterChef was viewed by 1.569 million people, but the Logie Awards on Channel Nine gained an audience of 1.323 million. All the judges were spotted at the awards show, with Preston even logging on to his Twitter page (more)...
- 5/2/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
One of the judges from MasterChef has slammed a rival cooking show. Gary Mehigan, who is a judge and mentor on the Australian version of the Channel Ten reality television series alongside George Calombaris and Matt Preston, said that My Kitchen Rules is a copycat version of their show. Mehigan told National Features: "My Kitchen Rules is quite obviously a blatant rip-off. The set looks similar to ours and the phrases are the same," while food critic Preston added: "I hear that [My Kitchen Rules judge] Manu [Feildel] has borrowed my speech just in case he wins a Logie this year." Preston also insisted that MasterChef is his "priority" (more)...
- 4/28/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
One of the judges from the Australian version of MasterChef has revealed that he has got rid of any "d**khead" elements to the show. Matt Preston, who is a judge and mentor on the reality television series alongside George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan, said that he didn't enjoy last year's season as much because there was too much melodrama. Preston told NineMSN: "In series two, we were all overly dramatic. We were all 'performing' for the first half, and as soon as we saw what it was like on the TV, we went, 'Oh my God, that is so ridiculous, (more)...
- 4/27/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
The judges on the Australian version of MasterChef have revealed that this year's season will be different to the last. Chefs George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan, together with food critic Matt Preston, said that after last year's very difficult challenges, they really want to see the contestants do "well" on this series. Calombaris told the Herald Sun: "We have tweaked the challenges. We still want great food. We want to see people succeed and do well." Preston added: "[This (more)...
- 4/27/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
George Calombaris has promised that this year's MasterChef Australia will be a "big deal". The Aussie celebrity chef, who has been a judge on the reality cooking show alongside Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan since it started in 2009, said that fans should start getting excited for the May 1 premiere. At the launch of the third season, Calombaris told The Daily Telegraph: "[It's a] big, big deal." He also said that he, Preston and Mehigan are not on the show "because of [their looks] but because of their "love of food". Preston admitted that he finds the show "exciting" because of food (more)...
- 4/15/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
The premiere of this year's MasterChef Australia is poised to go head-to-head with live coverage of the Logie Awards. The Channel Ten cooking reality show, which is judged by Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris, is scheduled to return for its third series on May 1, the same day that the Australian TV awards event is held. According to The Daily Telegraph, MasterChef will kick off at 7.30pm and run for 90 minutes, crossing over significantly with the red carpet arrivals and start of the presentations of the Logies. Last (more)...
- 4/1/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Callum Hann has revealed that he no longer wants to work in a kitchen. The 21-year-old, who was runner-up in last year's series of reality cooking show MasterChef Australia, recently completed a three-month apprenticeship in judge George Calombaris's Melbourne restaurant. Hann told The Age: "I really enjoyed working in the kitchens as a chef, but I'm not sure if that's a career that I'm really going to pursue. [The apprenticeship was] brilliant. I felt (more)...
- 3/1/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
George Calombaris has revealed that he is going to become a father for the first time. The celebrity chef, who is best known as a judge on reality cooking show MasterChef Australia, said that he is "thrilled" that his partner of nearly four years Natalie Tricarico is pregnant. Calombaris told the Herald Sun: "Natalie and I are absolutely thrilled. I love being an uncle, (more)...
- 1/21/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
George Calombaris has lashed out at critics of Junior MasterChef. The Australian celebrity chef, who is a judge on the reality TV show, said that he is angry at reports that they are exploiting the contestants by featuring them on television at such a young age. Calombaris told The Daily Telegraph: "I've heard people say that [being on Junior MasterChef] is not good for them or it is slave labour or it is promoting obesity because of all the butter they're using, and all this rubbish. "Come on, man, give us a break. These (more)...
- 11/16/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Gary Mehigan has revealed that he is trying to get fit. The chef, who judges MasterChef Australia alongside Matt Preston and George Calombaris, said that he is having "fun" being active with the young contestants in Junior MasterChef. Mehigan told Woman's Day magazine that he is "working out with a personal trainer" and admitted that he has gained weight during the reality cookery show due to snacking on (more)...
- 9/24/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Anna Gare has revealed that she is very impressed with the standard of cooking on the Australian version of Junior MasterChef. The 41-year-old chef and television host, who judges the reality TV series with Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris, said that the innocence of the 8 to 12-year-old contestants enhances their skills in the kitchen. Gare told Who magazine: "It's unbelievable - I've learnt a couple of tricks. I had the best cupcakes I've ever had in my life the other day; the little girl used cream instead of butter. Everyone cooks differently and sometimes the (more)...
- 9/15/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Another TV show announces a live theatre version, as a way to meet the fans.
MasterChef Australia is reaching out to the people, with a live event to be staged in Sydney in December.
MasterChef Live will take place at the Hordern Pavilion and Royal Hall of Industries at Moore Park, from December 10-12.
Comprising a "Festival of Food" plus a 60-minute show, it will feature judges Matt Preston, George Calombaris and More >>...
MasterChef Australia is reaching out to the people, with a live event to be staged in Sydney in December.
MasterChef Live will take place at the Hordern Pavilion and Royal Hall of Industries at Moore Park, from December 10-12.
Comprising a "Festival of Food" plus a 60-minute show, it will feature judges Matt Preston, George Calombaris and More >>...
- 9/7/2010
- by David Knox
- TV.com
On the back of the brilliant viewer ratings on Monday's macaroon challenge, it will hardly come as a surprise that Channel Ten has confirmed a third series of the reality cooking show, MasterChef Australia.
All three of the celebrity judges -- George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston -- have all been confirmed to be returning next year. This contradicts rumours that have been swirling around saying they had all... More >>...
All three of the celebrity judges -- George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston -- have all been confirmed to be returning next year. This contradicts rumours that have been swirling around saying they had all... More >>...
- 7/6/2010
- by Peter Allott
- TV.com
Seven Network bosses have been accused of trying to poach stars from Channel Ten's MasterChef Australia. It has been reported that Seven boss David Leckie has planned to lure judges Matt Preston, George Calombaris or Gary Mehigan from the show in a bid to destroy their high ratings. Leckie has denied the claims, telling The Daily Telegraph: "I have never met this mob. They're too cool for school and it'll be interesting to see what (more)...
- 7/1/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
George Calombaris has revealed that he is not the "star" of MasterChef Australia. The Melbourne restaurateur and chef, who judges the cooking reality show alongside mentor Gary Mehigan and food critic Matt Preston, said that fans watch the show purely for them. Calombaris told the Herald Sun: "Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan are the stars of the show, 100%. Totally." When Preston was referred to as the "Lady GaGa" of the judges, Calombaris responded: "Um, is Lady GaGa a he or a she? I don't know. Let me just tell you, me and Matt get changed in the same changing room and I'm pretty sure I know what his DNA is, and it's definitely male." Calombaris added that his priority (more)...
- 6/23/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
George Calombaris has given his opinion on the final ten contestants on MasterChef Australia. The chef and restaurateur, who judges the reality cooking show alongside Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston, said that he is impressed with the male hopefuls in this year's competition. He told The Daily Telegraph: "A lot more guys entered the competition this year. They've all got personalities. Alvin [Quah] is flamboyant, Matthew [Caldicott] is wet behind the ears, Adam [Liaw]'s got a quirky fun look and Callum [Hann]'s such a good boy. "[Jonathan Daddia]'s (more)...
- 6/14/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Matt Preston has been told that he is not allowed to represent a weight loss company, it has been reported. The MasterChef Australia star, who judges the cooking show alongside George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan, has allegedly been told by Channel Ten that a partnership with weight loss brand Jenny Craig would "not fit well with the MasterChef brand". A spokesperson for Channel Ten told The Daily Telegraph: "All contract details and negotiations are confidential. We don't discuss what may be in the works or (more)...
- 6/14/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
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