The OG MasterChef Australia trio George Colombaris, Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan have confirmed that they’re working on a “very special project” together.
George shared a video of the three men discussing food on a Zoom call, and the post has fans convinced it’s a hint that they’ll be returning to the popular cooking show as judges.
“Some serious food talk for a very special project but majority a lot of shots and giggles with @garymehigan @mattscravat Gc xxxx 😂😂😂.” George captioned the clip.
“Come back, come back! Need the terrific trio back now,” one user commented on the post, another penned: “I really hope you guys host the next season of MasterChef.”
A third wrote: “Can’t wait to see them on TV together again… such a fun dynamic trio.”
Who are the current MasterChef judges?
Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong and Andy Allen have been the judges of MasterChef Australia since season 12, which aired in 2020. Jock passed away in April 2023, one day before the 15th season was scheduled to air.
The show’s release date was pushed back a week after the news of his death broke, and the final episode starring the celebrity chef aired on July 16.
It has not been confirmed whether Andy and Melissa will return as judges for MasterChef Australia 2024.
Why did George, Matt and Gary leave MasterChef?
George, Matt and Gary were the first set of judges to appear on MasterChef Australia and were at the helm for 11 seasons.
In July 2019 Channel 10 announced that they wouldn’t be returning for season 12 because the network was unable to “reach a commercial agreement that was satisfactory to Matt, Gary and George”.
Their departure from the hit cooking show was officially confirmed by Network 10 in a statement released shortly after.
“Across 11 sensational seasons, MasterChef Australia has established itself as one of the most popular and respected cooking television series around the world. For more than a decade, the iconic series has shaped and driven the Australian public’s passion for food and cooking, delivered iconic television moments, and made the culinary dreams of everyday home cooks come true,” the statement began.
“We would like to thank Gary, George and Matt for their contribution over the past 11 years.
“MasterChef Australia has always been about ordinary Australians doing extraordinary things for the love of food and we believe it is very important to continue that ethos.
“Australia is full of remarkable cooking talent and we can’t wait to introduce another group – and the next generation of exceptional judges – in season 12 of MasterChef Australia next year.”
Stream MasterChef Australia on 10Play.
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