BOMBSHELL DEMANDS
The talented trio of judges are calling the shots on next year’s season
When Masterchef’s former judges were let go by Ten last year after reportedly trying to negotiate a whopping 40 per cent salary increase, many viewers were unsure whether the former ratings juggernaut would ever hit the same soaring ratings highs again.
But new judges Melissa Leong, 38, Jock Zonfrillo, 43, and Andy Allen, 32, have done just that, with the show’s 2020 ratings exceeding the final seasons helmed by their predecessors – Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris.
Now, Woman’s Day hears it could be a case of history repeating itself for Ten – the new judges are reportedly banding together to demand a giant pay rise to guarantee their return next year!
“They are in absolute and complete control of negotiations, and they can be – look what they’ve managed to do!” dishes a well-placed TV insider.
“Breathing life into a show that most people assumed had run its course is no easy feat and they’ll be able to push for bigger salaries and benefits going forward.”
With the judges rumoured to be taking home around $500,000 a year, the show’s newfound popularity and critical acclaim could see a bigger pay packet for future seasons. Fans and
TV critics alike have been unanimous in their praise, saying the new judges have brought a fresh flair to the show.
From food writer Mel’s breadth of knowledge, Jock’s eccentric sense of humour and returning Masterchef star Andy’s camaraderie with the contestants, the trio have certainly won viewers over.
But they will need to play their cards right to ensure they don’t rock the Masterchef boat too much when it comes to demanding more.
The network famously let the show’s former judges go after pay negotiations broke down at the end of season 11. One well-placed insider revealed at the time that it was their efforts to try to save the embattled George’s job that ultimately led to them leaving the show after more than a decade.
The source said Ten called the judges’ bluff and stopped the contract negotiations on the spot.
“TV bosses had known about George’s wage theft accusations for a while,” an insider said of the disgraced chef’s Fair Work Commission scandal, which resulted in a $200,000 fine.
“He had gone to the executives early so they could get across it and get behind him once the court case started, but they were worried this scandal would affect their ratings.”