Townsville’s MasterChef star Rhiannon Anderson isn’t feeling the heat ahead of season 17

Joining a star-studded line-up, Rhiannon Anderson will return in MasterChef Australia: Back to Win. See how she’s preparing for the potentially challenging season.

Townsville’s MasterChef runner-up Rhiannon Anderson will show what she’s got when she returns for season 17. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Townsville’s star chef Rhiannon Anderson has revealed she won’t hold back in her return to MasterChef for season 17.

The 48-year-old mum from Townsville first represented North Queensland in season 15, placing 2nd, and said she couldn’t resist returning for another season.

“I thought, why not? How often do you get asked and have the privilege to come back and compete a second time around through MasterChef?” she said.

Fan favourites such as Audra Morrice, Callum Hann and Declan Cleary will join Ms Anderson in MasterChef’s Back to Win 2025, and will tackle various challenges.

Ms Anderson said she feels more prepared her second time around, having shaken off her season 15 nerves.

Townsville’s MasterChef runner-up Rhiannon Anderson will show what she’s got when she returns for season 17. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“MasterChef is stressful when you don’t know what’s coming up and you’ve gotta be able to think on the fly, so there’s definitely going to be that stress element,” she said.

“Because now I know what the process is, I think this time I’m just going to go and it is what it is, and I’ll just have a really good time.”

Joining the array of talented chefs, Ms Anderson said there are some people she can’t wait to see.

“I am a huge MasterChef fan myself, so I’m really looking forward to seeing all of them,” she said.

“I’m still really great mates with Declan and Rue from my season, so I can’t wait to see them.”

Ms Anderson said her main goal will be sharing just how special North Queensland is, and showing women they can achieve anything they put their minds to.

“In my season, I was the only one to represent from Townsville, so I love trying to put our little regional town on the map,” she said.

“That’s what I’m all about is focusing on our small little businesses and trying to get people up here.”

“For all the women out there, go and live your dreams, push yourself to your limit and have a bloody good time.”

MasterChef Back to Win will begin on Monday, April 28.

Originally published as Townsville’s MasterChef star Rhiannon Anderson isn’t feeling the heat ahead of season 17