Masterchef has made its mark over a decade as one of Australia’s favourite reality TV shows. Over the years, recreational cooks around the country came together to showcase their talents in front of world-renowned judges in the quest for fame and fortune with a $250,000 prize for the season winner.
This year, things are a little different.
The first is the familiar faces of Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston on the judging panel are no more after contract negotiations broke down last year. Instead, we’ll be greeted by the fresh blood of Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong and Andy Allen.
Not exactly household names, but they are obviously well respected and talented in the food industry. Zonfrillo owns a three-hatted restaurant in Adelaide, Leong is an experienced food writer and presenter, while Allen has come full circle as a former winner of the show in 2012.
The other thing that’s different this season is the contestants. No newbies in this lineup as all 24 of the cast are former contestants on the show. It’s being promoted as the “best of the best” coming together for Masterchef Australia: Back To Win, with the first episode set to air on Easter Monday, April 13th.
Hundreds of contestants have walked through the doors over the past 11 seasons of the show, with the new lineup to include six former runner-ups.
The favourite to go all the way is original runner-up Poh Ling Yeow who used her Masterchef exposure to springboard into a book publishing deal and her own cooking TV series on the ABC.
Other popular constestants returning include Hayden Quinn, who has been involved in several cooking TV shows as a host and judge, likeable season two runner-up Callum Hann, and dessert extraordinaire Reynold Poernomo, while there has been an early betting plunge for Laura Sharrad. A former runner-up in season six when she was only 19 years of age, Laura recently opened a pasta bar and restaurant, but interestingly before that, she worked as a pastry chef at new judge Jock Zonfrillo's Orana restaurant. Perhaps that will play in her favour!
It’s not a bad idea to follow the money in pre-recorded reality TV shows in case there’s some inside information, and while Laura is favourite at many Australian sportsbooks, you can still get some good value on Sportsbet.
Laura Sharrad to win
$5.00
2020 Masterchef Australia Betting Odds - Courtesy of Sportsbet
