As one of the globe’s most beloved cooking competitions, MasterChef Australia continues to redefine reality TV with its heartwarming stories, jaw-dropping dishes, and high-stakes drama. The 2025 season, officially titled MasterChef Australia: Back to Win, promises to deliver all this and more, featuring a roster of fan-favorite contestants, a refreshed judging panel, and innovative twists.
MasterChef Australia is set to return for its 17th season in 2025, bringing back fan favorites from previous seasons in a special “Back to Win” edition. This season, 24 fan-favorite contestants from previous seasons will compete for another shot at the coveted MasterChef title and a grand prize of $250,000.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Meet the Contestants
The 2025 lineup features a diverse group of chefs, each bringing their unique flair and experience back to the MasterChef kitchen:
Alana Lowes (Season 3, 3rd Place)
Since her initial appearance, Alana has established herself as a food, travel, and lifestyle television presenter, writer, and magazine editor. She has also ventured into recipe development, food styling, and photography, and launched her own sauce range.
Andre Ursini (Season 1, 7th Place):
After his time on MasterChef, Andre opened “Andre’s Cucina & Polenta Bar,” an Adelaide dining institution for a decade. He has since launched three more venues: Orso, Lost Phoenix Farm, and Villetta Porcini.
Audra Morrice (Season 4, 3rd Place)
Now a judge on MasterChef Singapore and former judge on MasterChef Asia, Audra runs a catering business and is a television presenter and cookbook author. She aims to showcase diversity and culture through her culinary creations.
Beau Cook (Season 4, 8th Place)
Pursuing his dream of becoming a firefighter, Beau has continued to hone his culinary skills and draws inspiration from Jamie Oliver’s approachable cooking style.
Ben Milbourne (Season 4, 5th Place):
Post-MasterChef, Ben became a television presenter, author, and educator. He co-founded a production company and has appeared on various cooking shows, including “Ben’s Menu” and “Andy and Ben Eat Australia.”
Callum Hann (Season 2, Runner-up; Season 12, Winner):
Callum founded Sprout Cooking School and Health Studio, authored cookbooks, and is a regular guest on culinary shows.
Cath Collins (Season 15, placed 5th)
Cath says she’s returning to the MasterChef kitchen as a “wiser, calmer cook” and is determined to have a tonne more fun this time around after finishing fifth in season 15. In addition, she has been operating her own culinary business, Cath’s Kitchen, where she offers private cooking lessons.
Darrsh Clarke (Season 16 – 6th Place)
Even though Darrsh just made his debut in season 16 last year, we believe he’s receiving advice from the finest because he happens to be roommates with both season 16 champion Nat Thaipun and another MasterChef candidate David Tan. Not to be underestimated!
Declan Cleary (Season 15 – 3rd Place)
Declan says he’s been working hard to “expand his repertoire” and really push his abilities in a more creative arena, but he still loves seafood and all things fishy. He continues to put a lot of effort into his construction company, but he has also been traveling and showing off his culinary abilities.
Depinder Chhibber (Season 13 – 8th Place)
Depinder has been working persistently since making an appearance in season 13 to open a Supper Club named Ghar, which means “home” in Hindi. She is best recognised for her amazing interpretation of Indian food, and with her new role in season 17, she hopes to inspire her daughters watching at home to “follow your passion.”
Jamie Fleming (Season 6 – 4th Place)
Jamie started and operated the acclaimed Alba Bar & Deli in Brisbane for five prosperous years after his stint on MasterChef Australia Season 6 inspired him to begin his own establishment. In 2024, he opened Spill Wine in Maleny. Given that he acknowledges that food is his love language, Jamie constantly aims to cook with connection in order to provide guests memorable experiences everytime he serves his meal.
Jimmy Wong (Season 8 – 19th Place)
Jimmy Wong’s sister Theresa competed with him the last time he entered the MasterChef Australia kitchen, during Season 8. Jimmy has now made a solitary comeback and is prepared to take on the competition once more. Since his season, Jimmy has dedicated himself to a full-time career in food, working as a brand ambassador, food photographer, and content developer. His love of delicious cuisine hasn’t diminished.
Laura Sharrad (Season 6 – 2nd Place | Season 12 – 2nd Place)
Will Adelaide chef Laura’s third time be lucky? You may be sure that Laura, who has already won two runner-up championships, intends to go even farther this season. As co-owner of the popular pasta bar Nido and Fugazzi Bar & Dining in Adelaide, Laura has turned her talent and years of hard work in professional kitchens into an outstanding culinary career. Laura’s expertise extends beyond the kitchen, but she will always have a special place in her heart for Italian food, tastes, and methods.
Matt Hopcraft (Season 7 – 6th Place)
After exiting the competition, Matt pursued a career in dentistry and is currently regarded as an industry specialist and associate professor at Melbourne University. In order to improve his pasta-making abilities, Matt has also worked in a number of kitchens. He still enjoys basic, delicious, and down-to-earth meals, and sugar and sweets are never at the top of his list. This time, Matt intends to present his meals with greater sophistication and is eager to express his originality.
Pete Campbell (Season 13 – 2nd Place)
Despite losing in the Season 13 finale of MasterChef Australia, Pete immediately jumped into the kitchen following the competition and joined the renowned Peter Gilmore as a commis chef at Sydney’s Quay restaurant. Pete, who has staged pop-ups in New York City, is ready to prove that he can top the table. Most recently, he was on the pans at Sydney’s Poly restaurant.
Rhiannon Anderson (Season 15 – 2nd Place)
Rhiannon is prepared for whatever the upcoming season may bring thanks to her love of South East Asian food and its “punch in the face” tastes, which are full of spice, chili, and finger lime. After leaving the kitchen, Rhiannon started her own company, Rhiplenish, where she works with companies and conducts food demos. Rhiannon has a fresh perspective and plans to remain committed to improving this season.
Rue Mupedzi (Season 15 – 7th Place)
In Season 15 of MasterChef Australia, dental hygienist Rue Mupedzi acknowledges that her nervousness prevented her from performing to her best capacity. She is resolved to take advantage of this second opportunity to do it correctly. Rue took cooking classes to hone her skills and technique after leaving the MasterChef Australia kitchen, and she now works part-time as a chef for private catering events. Rue resolves to bring her competitive spirit to the kitchen every day and returns prepared to demonstrate her development and tenacity.
Samira El Khafir (Season 5 – 3rd Place)
Samira, a certified hairdresser and former telecom employee, entered the competition in 2013 and finished third. She and her husband were busy with their small family. Following the competition, Samira used her culinary skills to open her own café with contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine. Since then, she has written a cookbook, introduced a line of low-carb goods, and developed recipes.
Sarah Todd (Season 6 – 9th Place | Season 14 – 2nd Place)
Sarah has established a distinguished culinary career as a global chef, restaurateur, author, TV broadcaster, and company owner since her prior MasterChef Australia performances. Sarah’s dishes are as distinctive as they are memorable, combining traditional French technique with her superb knowledge of Indian tastes. When the Prime Minister of India honoured Sarah for her outstanding achievements to the food business in 2023, her enormous influence in that nation reached a new height. Sarah introduced her own sauce line, Hot Toddy, the same year, and it immediately became well-known in the gourmet food industry.
Savindri Perera (Season 16 – 3rd Place)
Savindri, who finished third the previous season, is keen to make the most of her second opportunity. After exiting the competition last year, the former banking consultant launched her own company and is currently employed as a private chef and event caterer. Her fame is also growing in her native Sri Lanka, where she was greeted like a hero on previous trips because of the pride her people felt in her introducing traditional Sri Lankan cuisine to the world.
Snezana Calic (Season 16 – 15th Place)
Snezana, a generous and naturally inclined home cook, will continue to proudly represent the Serbian community by preparing more traditional recipes. Her constant objective is to prepare cuisine that is authentic, flavourful, and direct from the heart. Since last season, the mother of two with a background in finance has pursued her love by giving pop-up cooking lessons and working in restaurants to hone her talents. Additionally, Snezana has produced culinary material and started working on a cookbook that features dishes in the Serbian and Mediterranean styles.
Steph de Sousa (Season 11 – 12th Place)
With over three million passionate online followers, Steph de Sousa is the definition of bright and cheery. Steph, also known as the “Frugal Foodie,” has established herself as the go-to person for quick, simple, affordable, and family-friendly meals. After placing twelfth in Season 11, Steph has written two cookbooks, had her own television show, and served as an ambassador. This time, she hopes to place in the Top 10 and higher.
Theo Loizou (Season 15 – 4th Place)
Theo is determined and ready to go all the way after placing fourth in Season 15. Known as the “Bread Boy” from his season, Theo intends to delve deeper into his Greek heritage and demonstrate to the judges how much he has improved as a cook. Although he continues to work as an electrician, Theo has been assiduously accumulating restaurant experience, and his dream of opening his own bakery is well and truly alive, with plans in place to share his baked goods with the world as soon as possible.
Tim Bone (Season 11 – 4th Place)
Finishing in fourth place in Season 11, Ballarat’s Tim Bone wasted no time turning his passion into a thriving business. He launched Tim’s Toasties, a mobile gourmet toasted sandwich venture that highlights regional ingredients. His success continued, leading to the opening of his first brick-and-mortar store this year. Now, as the host of Good Chef, Bad Chef, he returns to the MasterChef Australia kitchen with a fresh perspective and renewed confidence.
MasterChef Australia 2025 Judges
The judging panel for MasterChef Australia 2025 will feature Andy Allen, Poh Ling-Yeow, Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Sofia Levin, who will guide contestants through the competition. Additionally, special guest chefs will make appearances throughout the season, bringing unique challenges and expert insights.
MasterChef Australia 2025 Release Date
While Network 10 has yet to announce an exact premiere date, MasterChef Australia traditionally debuts in late April. Insiders suggest Season 17 will follow suit, with episodes airing Sunday–Thursday at 7:30 PM AEST starting April 27, 2025. Fans worldwide can stream episodes on 10 Play and Netflix shortly after broadcast.
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