Cooking show MasterChef Australia Season 16 is set to premiere on April 22 with three new culinary experts — MasterChef alumna Poh Ling Yeow, French celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and food critic-journalist Sofia Levin — joining the panel of judges, the makers of the show have announced.
“The countdown begins! See you in the kitchen, Monday April 22 on 10,” official handle of the reality show posted on Instagram alongside a photo of the new judges.
The judges panel of MasterChef Australia underwent a revamp following the death of Jock Zonfrillo last year. Melissa Leong, a fixture on the MasterChef judging panel, bid farewell to the main series as she onboarded Masterchef: Dessert Masters as a judge alongside pastry chef Amaury Guichon.
However, Andy Allen will continue to be a judge on the reality show. Joining Allen on the panel are three remarkable personalities poised to bring their unique expertise to the MasterChef kitchen.
MasterChef alumna Poh Ling Yeow, who captured hearts as the first runner-up in Season 1, is a familiar face in the MasterChef family. She makes her debut as a judge after numerous appearances as a guest judge and mentor. Her journey includes a memorable stint on MasterChef Australia: Back To Win in 2020.
Adding an international flair to the panel is acclaimed French celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli. With a string of prestigious awards under his belt, including Michelin stars and culinary accolades, Novelli brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the MasterChef arena. His culinary finesse and esteemed reputation promise to elevate the competition to new heights.
Rounding out the trio of new judges is Melbourne-based food critic and journalist, Sofia Levin. With over a decade of experience in the food industry, Levin's discerning palate and insightful critiques have earned her a reputable status among food enthusiasts.
Renowned chef and restaurateur Jamie Oliver will be serving as a guest judge on the show alongside the new judges.
Brent Draper had lifted the trophy in Season 15 of MasterChef Australia, triumphing over Rhiannon Anderson and securing an impressive cash prize of AUD 250,000.
Season 15 of the show streamed on Disney+ Hotstar in India. However, there is no information as yet on where viewers from India can watch the upcoming season.