Sixteen seasons into My Kitchen Rules Australia, you might think Manu and Colin have seen it all, but the Frenchman insists, “Every year, we’re surprised
by the contestants, their new craziness and new food.”
He insists this series of MKR is going to be “a wild one”, with three teams in particular set to stir up chaos, including Adelaide’s self-described “classy bogans” Alisha and Deanne.
“It’s the first-ever team that we’ve had of this kind,” says Manu. “They are very energetic, very bubbly and they’ve got a lot to say.”
Then there’s food stylist Jane and husband Shane from Sydney’s Blue Mountains, who have “huge expectations”. Manu adds, “They travel the world and she’s been a stylist for many, many years, so their hopes are set pretty high.”
And then there’s funeral director Angus and his teacher friend Simon, also both from Adelaide. “Angus and Simon have got a great sense of humour,” says Manu. “They’re charming, but they might turn a little.”
Who will rise above the heat to prove themselves this season’s best home cooks and take home the $125,000 prize?
Meet the first round of MKR’s 2026 contestants
Angus & Simon
Best mates
Angus and Simon met working in a pub 11 years ago and have been taking the mickey out of each other ever since.
Mary & Golden
Nurses
Mary and Golden met while studying nursing in the Philippines and moved to Australia together in 2004.
Krysten & and Lucy
Mum & daughter
Krysten and Lucy live on a 12-acre Queensland property where they bake, fish, free-dive and host friends at their fairy-lit smokehouse.
Tiffany & Giancarlo
Loved-up couple
Tiffany and Giancarlo have been together for almost 20 years but have never felt the need for a wedding or kids.
Alisha & Deanne
Classy bogans
Alisha and Deanne have been inseparable since high school and are so close they joke they were “switched at birth”
Jane & Shane
Stylish foodies
Food stylist Jane and builder Shane have been married for two years and are raising a blended family with five adult children. Jane learned her craft working alongside some of Australia’s top chefs and describes herself as fiery and unapologetically opinionated, while Shane is the calmer half.
My Kitchen Rules screens on TVNZ 2, Monday-Wednesdays and streams on TVNZ+.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
