ANDY & JOCK WHO’S GETTING THE CHOP?
PLUMMETING RATINGS HAVE CALLED FOR TOUGH DECISIONS
Just one year ago, champagne corks were popping after the successful relaunch of Masterchef managed to draw monster ratings for the series, starring fan favourites and new judges. But New Idea’s insiders say the 13th season has network executives “feeling nervous” – and they’re looking to shake-up the judging panel.
So tense are emotions, the source says the sudden drop in popularity, which saw the show premiere to just 670,000 metro viewers, has led to “serious crisis talks”.
The source reveals a complete new format and even the replacement of one of the male judges is currently being suggested by bigwigs in a bid to ramp up viewership.
According to the insider, former Masterchef winner Andy Allen, 33, and restaurateur Jock Zonfrillo, 44, could be “facing the chop” if things don’t turn around soon.
Food author Melissa Leong, 39, is said to be “currently safe” from the chopping block, with her popularity surging since her arrival on the cooking show in 2020.
Making matters worse, the insider insists executives are under “intense pressure” from their American bosses, Viacomcbs, which owns Network Ten.
“The underperformance of their biggest show has sent shock waves all the way across the Pacific, and changes are already being planned.
“Most assumed it was the new judges who made last season so popular, but it was clearly the returning all stars,” the insider explains.
Interestingly, the likes of Season 1 Masterchef runner-up Poh Ling Yeow, former MKR judge Colin Fassnidge and celebrity chef Matt Moran are “being floated around” as viable options in the event one of the judges is axed.