The famous faces in line to be new MKR judges

Big-name international chefs, local favourites and a TV return for George Calombaris could be on the cards for a revamped MKR.

Original TV foodie stars Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris. Picture: Lachie Millard

The speculation is sure to heat up over who will get the plum gigs as judges on the revamped My Kitchen Rules.

The cooking show is due to air in the second half of 2022 with fresh faces already flagged by network bosses, who confirmed Manu Feildel and Pete Evans won’t be returning.

An international star could be considered, previous regular Colin Fassnidge, big signings Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan who fronted the failed Plate of Origin, as well as a female following the success of Melissa Leong on MasterChef alongside Jock Zonfrillo and Andy Allen.

In the mix could be the likes of Nigella Lawson, Karen Martini and viewer favourite Poh Ling Yeow, although she has committed to the new Snackmasters show on Channel 9, alongside Scott Pickett and host Yvie Jones.

Poh Ling Yeow is a local food favourite.

Karen Martini is already one of Channel 7’s star chefs. Picture: Alex Coppel

A big name like Gordon Ramsay, Heston Blumenthal or Marco Pierre White may be in the frame, too. Could this even mark the re-entry of George Calombaris into the spotlight?

The production had previously been done in-house for Seven by Seven Productions, but it is being outsourced and is said to be focused on food rather than drama.

Channel 7’s program boss Angus Ross alluded to borders reopening, suggesting a big name could be signed.

“Over the past couple of years we’ve had a very good record of reinventing and re-imagining proven formats,’’ Ross said.

A big name such as Gordon Ramsay could be in the mix.

International star Nigella Lawson could be considered.

“We’re all about using proven formats and My Kitchen Rules was the biggest show of eight of its 10 life cycle.

“It will be two and a half years by the time it returns and we think Australia will be ready to embrace a return — particularly with Australia opening up again. It gives us broader options (with talent).

“The show is going to go back to what it was great as in the first place. That original recipe, state versus state mentality and competitiveness.

“It’s going back to its roots … there’s going to be a curiosity factor about it.”

The MKR format launched in 2010 and the final season aired in 2020. At times it rated more than two million.

Originally published as The famous faces in line to be new MKR judges