Chief CHEFS
They’ve been working together longer than some bands and it’s not hard to miss the instant chemistry between the three MasterChef Australia judges, Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris.
“It’s like a marriage,” says Gary (50) when asked about the trio’s friendship. Matt (53) quips, “A really good marriage!”
The culinary competition – which is now into its ninth season – is played in more than 110 countries.
And viewers seem just as interested in the judges’ extraordinary friendship as they are in the culinary exploits.
When they’re not filming for the show, the trio are catching up on weekends to grab lunch together.
“We know each other so well,” explains Gary. “People say we’re like a band – and at some point, the band is going to break up. But I’ve never felt more comfortable than I do with these guys.”
It hasn’t always been an easy ride, though, and Matt confesses they came close to quitting when the ratings hit a low after season five.
“I think we were really glad we came back after season five,” remembers Matt. “We got the show back on track and we reverted to what the show was initially all about, which is to give the contestants every chance to succeed.”
While Matt jokes he’s sure to return as a judge for season 10 if they give him more crazy capes to wear, Gary is a little more serious about the matter and is adamant they’ll all be back.
“You can’t break us up. It’d be a terrible thing to do.”