After 11 years as our MasterChef judges, yesterday it was announced that George, Gary and Matt would not be returning next season.
Network 10 chief executive officer Paul Anderson said in a statement, “Despite months of negotiation, 10 has not been able to reach a commercial agreement that was satisfactory to Matt, Gary and George.
“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.
“We would like to thank Gary, George and Matt for their contribution over the past 11 years,” he said.
“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.”
There’s no doubt MasterChef transformed the food scene in Australia when it burst onto our screens in 2009, with Gary, George and Matt at the helm.
So WHO could possibly fill their positions?
Network Ten has not confirmed a lineup for 2020, however according to Who Magazine, former MasterChef star Poh Ling Yeow, Maggie Beer and Curtis Stone have been slated as our new judges.
Maggie Beer is of course an Australian cooking legend, best known for her commercial products, television appearances on not just MasterChef, but The Great Australian Bake Off, The Cook and The Chef. She’s also been praised for her charity, the Maggie Beer Foundation, which improves food experiences for older Australians, particularly those living in aged care homes.