Jock Zonfrillo’s MasterChef Australia replacement options revealed after celebrity chef’s death
Channel Ten is on the hunt for a new celebrity judge for MasterChef Australia 2024 following the death of series veteran Jock Zonfrillo on April 30.
And several world-famous chefs are said to be in the running.
“International names like Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson and Shannon Bennett have been released,” a source said. Women’s Day.
However, the source added that all of these culinary experts have hectic schedules, so booking them for the competitive cooking show was currently “a pipe dream.”
The network is also reportedly considering bringing back “legacy” names to the series, such as original judges George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan, to appeal to older viewers.
Channel Ten is on the hunt for a new celebrity judge for MasterChef Australia 2024 following the death of series veteran Jock Zonfrillo on April 30.
Another expert being considered is renowned pastry chef Amaury Guichon, who will appear in the MasterChef spin-off Dessert Masters alongside judge Melissa Leong later this year.
It comes amid rumors that celebrity chefs Melissa Leong and Andy Allen could go on without a permanent third party, as the herald sun reported on Saturday.
The publications claimed that the cooking duo could move on to the next season along with a rotating list of guest judges.
“International names like Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson and Shannon Bennett have been cast,” a source told Women’s Day.
While filming dates for season 16 have not been set, Channel Ten has asked aspiring chefs to submit their applications by August 16.
Meanwhile, others have suggested that Melissa, 41, and Andy, 35, could be planning to leave MasterChef as they continue to deal with the tragic death of their co-star.
Some fans are convinced the entire hosting panel may be replaced entirely, after Channel 10 refused to confirm Jock’s replacement in the recent casting call.
The network is also reportedly considering bringing back “legacy” names to the series, such as original judges George Calombaris (right) and Gary Mehigan (left), to appeal to older viewers.
Jock died in Melbourne on what was supposed to be the premiere date for the latest MasterChef series, which was pushed back a week after he passed away.
The Scottish-born chef, 46, was found dead in his Carlton hotel room.
Police found her body after they were called to her room for a wellness check.
It comes amid rumors that celebrity chefs Melissa Leong and Andy Allen could go on without a permanent third party, as the Herald Sun reported on Saturday.
