After 14 seasons featuring delicious food and entertaining cast members, MasterChef Australia is returning with Season 15 in 2023 called MasterChef Australia: Secrets & Surprises. As the new name suggests, there'll be twists and turns in the kitchen to keep contestants and audiences guessing .
This season will also resonate in a different way, as we remember judge Jock Zonfrillo, who passed away on Sunday, April 30.
Here is everything we know about the 2023 season of MasterChef Australia: Secrets & Surprises.
Who Is In The Cast?
While the 2022 season titled MasterChef Australia: Fans & Favourites featured 12 returning contestants from previous seasons and 12 amateur home cooks, the 2023 season will very much return to the original format featuring new faces to Aussie TV. This year there will only be 18 aprons up for grabs.
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Adi Nevgi, 31, Doctor (VIC)
Alice Han, 29, Economic Researcher (NSW)
Amy Tanner, 26, Medical Administrator (VIC)
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Andrea Puglisi, 36, Rope Access Technician (WA)
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Antonio Cruz Vaamonde, 34, Software Developer (NSW)
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Brent Draper, 32, Digital Content Creator (QLD)
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Cath Collins, 54, Administration Manager (VIC)
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Declan Cleary, 24, Carpenter (NSW)
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Grace Jupp, 24, Olive Producer (VIC)
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Jessica Perri, 35, Optometrist (VIC)
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Larissa Sewell, 38, Stay At Home Mum (SA)
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Malissa Fedele, 28, Nutritionist (SA)
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Phil Conway, 33, Fitness Studio Manager (VIC)
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Ralph Kahango, 32, Auditor (WA)
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Rhiannon Anderson, 46, Administration (QLD)
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Robbie Cooper, 65, Youth Support Worker (NT)
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Rue Mupedzi, 29, Oral Health Therapist (WA)
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Theo Loizou, 37, Electrician (VIC)
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Who Are The Judges?
Judges Melissa Leong, Jock Zonfrillo and Andy Allen filmed this season of MasterChef. Food writer Melissa, acclaimed chef Jock and former MasterChef winner himself, Andy, took over the judging reigns in 2020 from George Calombaris, Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan, who were on the program for 10 years.
On Monday May 1, Channel 10 confirmed Jock Zonfrillo passed away on Sunday, April 30.
"This is a terribly sad day for Jock’s family and friends, his Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia colleagues and for MasterChef fans around Australia and the world," Beverley McGarvey, Executive Vice President, Paramount ANZ, said in a statement.
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"Jock was an extraordinary man. He was a wonderful colleague and friend, and we feel very privileged to have had him play such an important and impactful role in MasterChef. Despite all his notable professional milestones, nothing brought him more joy or happiness than his family. Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.
"He was a wonderful colleague and friend, and we feel very privileged to have had him play such an important and impactful role in MasterChef. Despite all his notable professional milestones, nothing brought him more joy or happiness than his family. Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time."
Zonfrillo's family also issued a statement, describing him as "an extraordinary man".
"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," read a statement from Zonfrillo's family.
"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 his family, keep this proud Scot in your hearts when you have your next whisky.
"We implore you to please let us grieve privately as we find a way to navigate through this and find space on the other side to celebrate our irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend."
Who Are The Guest Judges?
As per usual, there's an impressive lineup of famous guest judges on MasterChef in 2023 including Jamie Oliver, Curtis Stone, Maggie Beer, Rick Stein. Peter Gilmore, Shannon Bennett and Kay-Lene Tan.
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"I’m very, very excited to be back in the MasterChef Australia kitchen, and honoured to be kicking off the new season of Secrets & Surprises alongside Jock, Andy and Mel," Jamie said in an official press statement.
"I want to give the contestants some little nuggets of advice, some techniques and some thoughts most importantly, that might help them to navigate some of the big moments ahead."
What Is The Air Date?
MasterChef Australia: Secrets & Surprises was initially scheduled to premiere on Monday, May 1 at 7:30pm on Channel 10 and 10 Play, however Channel 10 delayed the premiere by a week following the death of judge Jock Zonfrillo.
It premiered on Sunday, May 7 at 7:30pm on Channel 10, following a special edition of The Sunday Project which paid tribute to Zonfrillo from 6:30pm.
While the show has usually aired over the span of two months in recent years, this season will be shorter. This makes way for spin-off MasterChef: Dessert Masters, as well a huge slate of reality TV shows for the network including The Bachelor, Australian Survivor: Heroes vs Villains, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, The Challenge Australia and The Real Love Boat.
Where Is It Filmed?
Filming of MasterChef Australia takes place at Centenary Hall, Royal Melbourne Showgrounds.
What Is The Prize?
The winner of MasterChef Australia usually takes home a quarter of a million dollars which is a pretty sweet deal, and exactly what 2022 winner Billie McKay was awarded.
Remember to keep checking back here as we continue updating the behind-the-scenes details about the 2023 season of MasterChef Australia: Secrets & Surprises.
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