THE HEAT IS ON!
Meet the new – and familiar – faces set to sizzle in this year’s kitchen
HARRY TOMLINSON BARISTA & COFFEE ROASTER
“I’m most nervous to go up against Sashi! I mean, who wouldn’t be? The man won this competition so effortlessly last time, surely he can do it again!”
ALI STONER ARTIST
“I’m most nervous to cook against Billie! She was a formidable competitor then – goodness knows what she’ll bring to the MasterChef kitchen this time around!”
DANIEL LAMBLE FIREFIGHTER
“Billie and Sashi are the two who make me the most nervous. Not only are they very skilled, but they just have so many recipes and techniques stored in their heads!”
MONTANA HUGHES INFLUENCER
“I’m scared to go up against Billie. Season seven of MasterChef really sparked my passion for cooking and Billie was always a huge idol to me because of that.”
MAX KRAPIVSKY OSTEOPATH
“To come up against the three undefeated gladiators of the MasterChef kitchen –Julie, Billie and Sashi – day after day is going to be an incredible challenge.”
CHRIS TRAN MARKETING ADVISER
“I’m nervous going up against Tommy, especially just after watching his season and seeing what he can do in the kitchen.”
MATT LANDMARK SECONDARY TEACHER
“I’d be crazy not to be at least a little intimidated by Billie! Come on, she won her season, has been a mentor in the MasterChef kitchen and has worked at The Fat Duck!”
KEYMA VASQUEZ MONTERO STAY-AT-HOME MUM
“I’m most nervous about Sarah – she’s taken her career to the top by opening restaurants, writing books and filming TV cooking shows!”
JENN LEE DENTIST
“I’m definitely nervous to go up against Billie or Sashi. I’m fangirling hard and I can’t wait to meet them!”
MELANIE PERSSON PHD STUDENT
“I’m definitely most nervous about going up against Billie. I know she is incredible talented and obviously knows exactly what she needs to do to win!”
DULAN HAPUARACHCHI FINANCIAL ANALYST
“Sashi is an absolute weapon in the kitchen and will be determined to win again. This isn’t going to be easy, but bring it, Sashi – I’m ready for it!”
STEPH WOON BANKING ANALYST
“I’m terrified to go up against Julie, Sashi and Billie. I loved watching them and can’t believe I get to cook beside them. Three past winners is crazy – I have no chance!”
MINDY WOODS SEASON 4
“I feel the Fans have a huge advantage coming in without expectation – there’s a huge opportunity for creative freedom.”
MINOLI DE SILVA SEASON 13
“The advantage of being a Favourite will last all of two seconds before the hungry fans study their backsides off to get to the same position!”
JOHN CARASIG SEASON 7
“I think being a Favourite has higher expectations. The only advantage is knowing your way around the MasterChef kitchen.”
SARAH TODD SEASON 6
“Understanding the pressure helps. However, it’s a competition and very different from my restaurant kitchen.”
SASHI CHELIAH SEASON 10 WINNER
“Although there will be tough competition this year, it’s helpful to know how the kitchen operates – and we know what kind of pressure to expect!”
MICHAEL WELDON SEASON 3
“I don’t think my experience on the show will help me this time around. Actually, I feel like a target is on our backs!”
JULIE GOODWIN SEASON 1 WINNER
“It’s definitely an advantage to have been in this environment before, but that advantage will only last a short time…”
ALVIN QUAH SEASON 2
“It’s been a while since I was in the MasterChef kitchen, so I really don’t think I have an advantage. I’m just an old dog trying to learn new tricks!”
BILLIE McKAY SEASON 7 WINNER
“Knowing the kitchen and knowing the pressure will help me. But if there ever was an equaliser, it’s the MasterChef kitchen!”
ALDO ORTADO SEASON 10
“I feel a bit advantaged as I already know some of the crucial points of working under that huge ticking clock!”
TOMMY PHAM SEASON 13
“It’s a double-edged sword. Being a Favourite comes with expectations, but it also means I have some experience in the MasterChef kitchen.”
CHRISTINA BATISTA SEASON 5
“Coming back is a blessing and a curse. On one hand, I know what’s coming, which is helpful, but on the other, I know what’s coming and that’s made me anxious!”