MasterChef Australia judges reveal surprising behind-the-scenes secrets ahead of Season 17 premiere

MasterChef Australia judges Andy Allen and Jean-Christophe Novelli have lifted the lid on production secrets as the show heads into season 17.

MasterChef judge Andy Allen at Donna Chang, Brisbane. Picture: Richard Walker

MasterChef Australia may look polished and effortless on screen, but judges Andy Allen and Jean-Christophe Novelli have revealed the reality behind the scenes is far more intense.

Ahead of the hit cooking show’s season 17 premiere on Monday, the judges have lifted the lid on some of the show’s best-kept secrets — and busted a few viewer myths along the way.

Novelli addressed a long-standing rumour that the judges often taste cold food, a theory that has persisted among audiences for years.

“People say the food’s cold when we taste it,” Allen said. “But we try every element hot at the bench as soon as the clock stops. Then we taste again at the top of the room. It’s actually weird how used to it you get.”

Novelli added more behind-the-scenes details: “We have spoons in our pockets. There’s a tester plate beside every dish. Nothing gets missed. We test both sides of the spectrum. So we can’t make mistakes — it’s very legit.”

MasterChef judges Jean-Christophe Novelli and Andy Allen at Donna Chang, Brisbane. Picture: Richard Walker

Allen said the filming schedule is also far more gruelling than many viewers realise, stretching over five-and-a-half months of relentless production.

“We go straight into a briefing, then the cook starts … we have a half-hour lunch, then we do the tasting, then the verdict. It is an intense, gruelling competition,” he said.

After nearly two decades and 17 seasons, some critics have questioned if the MasterChef Australia format has become stale.

But Allen was quick to defend the show’s enduring appeal.

“We wouldn’t have these guys coming back if it was boring and if it didn’t mean something to them,” he said. “The ratings went up last year. Why would you play around with something that is just so successful — not just in Australia but globally?”

Allen also reflected on the resilience of the series following the loss of beloved judge Jock Zonfrillo in 2023.

“When Jock passed away, there were a lot of doubters that the show wouldn’t be as good,” Allen said.

“But last year, again, it had a nice little spike in ratings. The show itself will always be bigger and better than anyone that stands at the front of it.”

Familiar faces, including Rhiannon Anderson from Townsville, are returning for season 17 of MasterChef Australia on Channel 10. Picture: Supplied

For its 17th season, MasterChef returns to the fan-favourite “Back to Win” format, where 24 memorable contestants from past seasons put their reputations on the line for another shot at culinary glory.

“We are pumped,” Allen said.

“Especially because [it’s] Back to Win — the food is instantly amazing. Even the guys from Season 1 have wanted to come back.”

Among those risking it all again are past runners-up Laura Sharrad, Callum Hann, and Sarah Todd.

“They’ve all come second,” Allen explained. “Especially Laura — second twice. She’s now a mum and she’s come into the kitchen like I’ve never seen her before. She seems really relaxed, and when you’re like that, it equals even better food.”

Novelli added: “We are having the crème of the la crème. They’re not coming back against the same people — you’re coming back against the best.”

Gordon Ramsay at Afloat in South Bank

The competition heats up even further with a special guest appearance from Gordon Ramsay, who, according to Network 10, will “greet, guide and grill contestants the moment they set foot in the MasterChef kitchen.”

MasterChef Australia premieres Monday, April 28 at 7.30pm on Channel 10.

Originally published as MasterChef Australia judges reveal surprising behind-the-scenes secrets ahead of Season 17 premiere