MasterChef Australia has returned to New Zealand screens, and the excitement is palpable as 22 hungry contestants step into the hallowed halls of the MasterChef kitchen.
This year, Season 16 introduces new judges alongside the beloved Andy Allen. Joining him are multi-Michelin star chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, MasterChef's own Poh Ling Yeow, and food critic and journalist Sofia Levin.
Speaking to Australia correspondent Aziz Al Sa'afin, Novelli and his new co-host Sofia Levin said they could not be more excited to be involved this year.
"I think this is the season that I've been a part of where it is about the food, but it's about stories as well. It's not like the, you know, the tear-jerking stories or the feel-sorry-for-me stories — it's the real uplifting stories," said Allen.
"They're [contestants] away from their families, they quit their jobs, in some cases, so they're in this hyper-concentrated world that is a huge opportunity,” added Levin.
“You don't get to put everything you've got into one thing and, because you're so focused on cooking and growing, that's when everything starts to come out around it."
Emotionally ready
Reflecting on the sudden loss of his co-star and friend Jock Zonfrillo, Allen said returning to the MasterChef kitchen this year felt “daunting” and he did not know if he would be ready emotionally.
"It was one question that I had. I knew this season was going to be different. I knew it was going to be different with new judges, with everything that's gone on in the past.
"I was like, I wonder if there's still that same MasterChef spark, that same energy? As soon as I walked into the studio again, I felt it," he said.
"That was a loss that was mourned not just through MasterChef and MasterChef fans but in the entire restaurant industry. It was a real shock to everybody,” added Levin.
“Last year was the toughest year in my life, and it made me grow probably the most I've ever grown in my life. But I just didn't know whether I'd have the courage, the emotional stability to give the show what it needed for it to be a success," Allen shared.
Zonfrillo's legacy
Ultimately, for Allen, returning to the show was about continuing Zonfrillo's legacy.
"MasterChef is so much more than just a cooking show. The food is a big part of why people gravitate towards it, but there are so many layers to it. For me, it's been a journey of personal growth and giving back," he said.
Also making a return this season is Allen’s intolerance of chilli, whether he would like to admit that or not.
“I feel like my tolerance is fine..." he said. But according to Levin, “it’s terrible”.
“Nah, I disagree!” Allen corrected. “I'll eat whatever, however hot it is, but I will just show my emotions happening."
This season fans can also expect bigger surprises, not just for the contestants, but for the guest judges too.
"A really great one was the Jamie Oliver box set by his parents. He thought he was setting the Mystery Box, but it was actually a live cross to his parents in London who set the ingredients," Allen explained.
MasterChef Australia Season 16 promises to be filled with incredible food, heartwarming stories, and exciting challenges. Reflecting on the show’s success down under, Allen said the support this year has been overwhelming.
"Big ups to New Zealand. We love you, and you love everything about MasterChef — it's a pretty good combo," he said.
MasterChef Australia airs Sunday – Wednesday on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+.
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