MasterChef Australia's staggering salaries revealed

A source at MasterChef Australia has reportedly revealed how high the salaries are for the show's judges, guest judges and contestants – and they’re jaw dropping.

New Idea reports an insider has revealed that returning competitors this year were able to negotiate deals of tens of thousands of dollars each.

MasterChef Australia's judges with Katy Perry
The salaries of MasterChef Australia's judges, guest judges and contestants have been revealed, and they're huge! Photo: Ten

But Katy Perry, who appears as a guest judge managed to claim the biggest payday with an estimated $100,000.

The singer made her appearance while in Australia for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup last month.

However, the publication didn't disclose how much Gordon Ramsay earned from his cameo, though it's believed he would have been paid a similar six-figure fee due to his TV roles in the US and UK.

The mag reported that season one runner-up Poh Ling Yeow and season three's Hayden Quinn were paid $40,000 for returning to the show.

It's believed that MasterChef's season one runner-up, Poh Ling Yeow, is earning $40,000 for her time on the show. Photo: Ten
It's believed that MasterChef's season one runner-up, Poh Ling Yeow, is earning $40,000 for her time on the show. Photo: Ten

They didn't, however, reveal the judges' pay, however it's believed their salaries were "outweighed" by the combined salaries of the returning contestants.

This year's judges are Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong and Andy Allen.

The new trio replaced Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan who reportedly left the show following a salary dispute.

Former MasterChef judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston
Former MasterChef judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston reportedly left the show following a salary dispute. Photo: Ten

George recently surprised fans after taking to Instagram to commend Channel Ten and Endemol Shine on the new season.

He wrote, "OMG. Massive result last night on MC12 launch night. Congrats to @channel10au @endemolshineau, all the awesome crew, the contestants and the new judges. Well done! GC xxxx."

Hayden Quinn, who appeared in season three of the show originally, wrote, "What a night mate! Haha I needed a hug! Thanks for all the support."

Khanh Ong from season 10 added, "Love you to pieces."

Celebrity chef Curtis Stone also commented, "George [you're] an absolute gentleman."

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