With casting for next year’s MasterChef Australia in full swing, Woman’s Day hears initial discussions around the late Jock Zonfrillo’s replacement have begun – and while they won’t make a decision until early next year, a “wish list” has already been drafted up.
“International names such as Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson and Shannon Bennett have all been thrown around,” says a sneaky sleuth, although given their busy schedules, “it’s more of a pipe dream”.
There’s even been a discussion around getting a “heritage name” – such as original hosts George Calombaris, who returned to the TV network last year, or Gary Mehigan – to return to the kitchen in an attempt to persuade older viewers to tune back in.
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Perhaps even more interestingly, producers are said to be “testing the waters” with newcomer Amaury Guichon, a Swiss-French pastry chef who has built up a large following online with his quirky TikTok videos. Amaury, 32, will appear alongside Melissa Leong on MasterChef spin-off Dessert Masters later this year.
Following Jock’s shock passing in April, rumours Melissa, 41, and Andy Allen, 35, might step away have emerged. However, our spy adds, “They have every intention to return next year.”
