Jamie Oliver shares first look at MasterChef 2024 alongside new judges

MasterChef guest judge Jamie Oliver has given viewers an insight into what to expect when the cooking competition returns next year with a new line-up of judges.

Channel 10 announced last week that the British chef would appear in the MasterChef kitchen for the first two weeks of season 16, which is the longest stint a guest chef has ever had on the reality show.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Jamie shared a gallery of photos of himself filming the series alongside Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin, and Jean-Christophe Novelli.

He also paid tribute to Jock Zonfrillo, who sadly passed away in May, and assured fans that the show is in “good hands” with the new judges.

“With a very heavy heart I leave the @masterchefau family in the beautiful city of Melbourne after two amazing and busy weeks of filming,” he wrote.

“This year was always going to be very very hard with the incredibly sad loss of Jock, something that shocked the nation, the hole he has left is vast and irreplaceable. Jock was a one-off, a legend and a great man… As they say, the show must go on, I wanted to reassure you in [Australia] that I personally believe the MC Team have moved forward in a way that feels right.”

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Jamie added that he was grateful he could be on set to support his “mate” Andy, who is the only MasterChef judge returning for season 16 after Melissa Leong announced she would stepping back to prioritise her role on Dessert Masters.

“I love him as much as I do Australia… which is a lot!” he said.

'Going to be very special'

The celebrity chef went on to share his thoughts on the “amazing new judges”, starting with fan favourite MasterChef contestant and season one runner-up Poh Ling Yeow.

“The most joyful creative human and ex-contestant @pohlingyeow is simply a ray of sunshine with so much to give everyone, especially the contestants,” he wrote.

“Then @jeanchristophe_novelli wow! Very funny, kind, culinary romantic, wise, wonderful and a Michelin star chef that moved the London food scene and inspired me when I was young.

“Then the new girl on the TV block bringing a fresh dimension is the wonderful @sofiaklevin. Well she’s quite special, she’s researched and eaten her way around the world and has a way with words that really enthused both me and the contestants, she fitted in like a glove and gives completion to a mighty wholesome team of judges and mentors.”

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Jamie ended the post by saying that the upcoming contestants are “just wonderful and diverse in all their attributes”.

“So Australia I promise you’re in good hands, expect the unexpected!” he teased. “Laughter and dreams being made, it’s going to be very special.

“Big love to all the MC production crew, you’re all world-class at your jobs making the best show and I’m so blessed to be part of it. Thanks for looking after me, big love to all.”

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