Surprising star MasterChef viewers want as judge in 2025: 'My first choice'

MasterChef Australia has seen many changes over the years, but perhaps none more noticeable than the most recent change in the lineup of judges. Following the tragic death of Jock Zonfrillo and the departure of Melissa Leong, the cooking competition enlisted Sofia Levin, Jean-Christophe Novelli and Poh Ling Yeow to join Andy Allen as the captains of the ship.

And, because many people can be resistant to change, it has taken some time for viewers to get used to the new quartet. From complaints about there being literally too many cooks in the kitchen (particularly when guest judge Jamie Oliver joined the panel for two weeks) to disappointment in guest judge Curtis Stone's demeanour, some members of the MasterChef audience simply haven't gelled with the changes.

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Despite being near the end of the 2024 season, some fans have revealed who they think should have gotten the judging gig instead and expressed hope that perhaps their wishes will be granted next season.

Fans reveal who they want to see as MasterChef Australia judge

In a popular Facebook group, one viewer started a debate by writing, "Ok. I'm going to put it out there. After a long enough time to analyse, I still think that Shannon Bennett would have made a better judge than any of those current...and (I'm sorry - I know there will be haters) I don't think that Sofia makes a great food critic. Mel would describe the food to the point that I could almost taste the texture and flavour! Anyone can taste food and say it's delicious - or not - but (in my opinion only) some better 'explanation words' should be expressed for someone critiquing food at this level."

The viewer concluded their caption writing, "I guess I'm hoping that the panel will be reviewed at the end of the season."

The post was quickly met with over a hundred comments and wildly different opinions.

"I agree with you. Shannon Bennett has given so much time over the last several years he would be feeling very used. And I like him and the way he commented and supported the contestants," one person agreed while someone else wrote, "Agree about Shannon Bennett, he is a great chef and mentor."

"I would have loved to see Shannon Bennett as a judge," echoed another.

"I would of [sic] preferred Shannon," a third added.

"Shannon Bennet was my first choice. But looks like he's not included at all now. What a shame. Andy could have gone and Shannon in his place," yet another viewer wrote.

Viewers defend existing judges

Other fans came to the defence of the four judges, suggesting that they were doing a great job and needed a bit more time to find their footing as a foursome.

"I actually love all the Judges, they are wonderful," one fan wrote.

"Okay guys it's the first year with the new judges, they're finding their feet in the kitchen and feeling their way around Andy. Of course it's not going to be the same show without Jock BUT then the show must go on," another wisely said.

"I really like the judges this year. Poh is doing a great job, Sofia and JC are both lovely and positive. Andy is, as always, doing a good job," a third person wrote.

"I wish people would stop complaining, I’m enjoying the show and love the judges," someone else said.

"I really love this year’s judges, breath of fresh air," yet another fan said.

One person even came to the table with some very good advice: "Ok, I'm going to put my 2 bobs worth in here. Let's move on from the comments on the judges & just concentrate on the food & cooking. It is what it is & I think it's great," they wrote.

Fate of current judges revealed

As for the wish of the original poster that the judging panel would be reviewed for next year, there were several group members who came to burst the bubble by explaining that the fate of the four judges had already been decided.

"They have just signed on for next year," a commenter wrote.

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"The judges are already contracted for next year’s MC show," added another viewer.

"TS, they're all there next year," wrote a third. "Hopefully most of the Moaning Myrtles won't be!"

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