George Calombaris, Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan help raise money for Bowel Cancer Australia

The judges who headlined the reality cooking show for 11 years have reunited for the Friends of George lunch.

George Calombaris wore the apron and the biggest smile as he reunited with great mates for a cause close to his heart.

The former MasterChef judge brought the band back together on Sunday, commanding the kitchen at Hotel Sorrento with help from former colleagues Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan.

TV’s famous trio, who headlined the reality cooking show for 11 years, reunited along with chocolate queen Kirsten Tibballs for the Friends of George lunch which raised funds for Bowel Cancer Australia in memory of George’s father Jim who passed away in November last year after a long battle with the disease.

“It’s really nice, it’s like riding a bike with these guys,” Calombaris said.

Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston at Hotel Sorrento.

“We have some great memories together.”

Eddie McGuire hosted the sellout event with a roving microphone, chatting with Hotel Sorrento owner Myles Pitt, and giving shoutouts to guests including Lauren Phillips, Sam Groth, Steve Price, Mike Sheahan, Chris Tarrant and Tina Nettlefold.

“The old cliche of being like family is true,” Preston said.

“George’s dad Jim was a big part of our family, we played a pro-am once and Jim was there on the sidelines sledging me.

“We were in India when Jim was taken in (to hospital) so that was hard for George. The idea of the Greek guy who was obsessed with sweet and sour pork is amazing. George’s mum Mary has become great friends with my mum … the whole thing is a community.”