If you’re a fan of MasterChef Australia, there was plenty to be excited about in 2020. The iconic cooking show returned bigger than ever, featuring three brand-new hosts ready to inspire and excite food lovers across the country.
The refreshed judging panel included a renowned travel writer, a celebrated chef, and a former MasterChef Australia winner. According to the network behind the program, the new lineup was designed to breathe fresh energy into the series as it entered its 12th season.
Travel writer Melissa Leong described her new role as the “biggest news” of her career so far. Meanwhile, Andy Allen — winner of MasterChef Australia’s fourth season in 2012 — said he was “stoked” to be stepping back into the MasterChef kitchen.
Introducing Melissa Leong
One of the standout additions to MasterChef Australia in 2020 was Melissa Leong, a passionate food and travel writer best known for her motto that she’ll “eat anything once.”
Leong is the author of six cookbooks, including the highly successful *The Great Australian Cookbook*. She is also no stranger to television, having worked as a media consultant and co-hosted the SBS cooking series *The Chefs’ Line* alongside Dan Hong and Mark Olive.
In addition to this, she has appeared regularly on popular programs such as *The Cook’s Pantry* and *Everyday Gourmet*, making her a familiar face to Australian audiences.
Introducing Jock Zonfrillo
Jock Zonfrillo was born in Scotland and began his culinary career in London, where he worked alongside world-renowned chefs, including Marco Pierre White.
In 2000, he relocated to Australia to take on the role of head chef at Restaurant 41. He later settled in Adelaide, where he purchased and operated two acclaimed restaurants — Bistro Blackwood and Orana.
Zonfrillo was already well known to MasterChef fans, having appeared as a guest chef across three seasons. Former judge Gary Mehigan once referred to him as a true “trailblazer” within the culinary industry.
Introducing Andy Allen
Andy Allen is the chef who won the fourth season of MasterChef Australia in 2012.
Interestingly, Allen entered the competition on a dare from a friend. Since winning the title, he has travelled extensively, cooking and filming content for his YouTube channel. In 2016, he co-founded the Sydney restaurant *Three Blue Ducks*, where he currently serves as head chef.
He also made history as the first MasterChef Australia contestant to receive the prestigious Chef’s Hat.
Why the Change in Hosts?
Many viewers questioned why MasterChef Australia introduced an entirely new group of hosts.
In July, Network 10 announced that long-time judges Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston, and George Calombaris would not be returning to the show. Their departure followed Calombaris’ admission that his restaurant group had underpaid staff by approximately $7.8 million.
Just hours before the season 11 finale, Network 10 Chief Executive Paul Anderson revealed that negotiations with the trio had failed, despite months of discussions.
Several weeks after leaving the show, Calombaris stated that he was “gutted” upon realising the scale of the underpayments. He publicly apologised to his staff, acknowledged the seriousness of the mistake, and confirmed that all outstanding wages had since been paid.
As one of Australia’s most beloved reality television programs, MasterChef holds a special place in the hearts of viewers nationwide. How audiences would respond to the new hosts remained uncertain — but the refreshed lineup undoubtedly marked a bold new chapter for the show.
