The popular cooking reality show MasterChef Australia is all set to return with the 17th season. Building on its legacy as one of Australia’s most beloved culinary competitions, the new season promises to deliver exciting challenges, emotional journeys, and mouth-watering creations from a diverse group of talented home cooks and returning favorites.
MasterChef Australia Season 17 Contestants
Season 17 brings together an impressive lineup of 24 contestants, featuring both familiar faces from previous seasons and fresh culinary talents. The all-star cast includes fan favorites like Callum Hann, Laura Sharrad, and Poh Ling Yeow, alongside newcomers eager to prove their cooking prowess. Competitors like Andre Ursini, Depinder Chhibber, and Sarah Todd return with enhanced skills and new cooking perspectives, while contestants such as Rue Mupedzi, Savindri Perera, and Theo Loizou bring diverse cultural influences to the MasterChef kitchen. This season’s mix of experienced returnees and passionate new talents promises to deliver fierce competition, innovative dishes, and heartwarming moments as they battle for the coveted MasterChef Australia title.
| Contestant Name |
|---|
| Andre Ursini |
| Alana Lowes |
| Audra Morrice |
| Beau Cook |
| Ben Macdonald |
| Callum Hann |
| Cath Collins |
| Darrsh Clarke |
| Declan Cleary |
| Depinder Chhibber |
| Jamie Fleming |
| Jimmy Wong |
| Laura Sharrad |
| Matt Hopcraft |
| Pete Campbell |
| Rhiannon Anderson |
| Rue Mupedzi |
| Samira El Khafir |
| Sarah Todd |
| Savindri Perera |
| Snezana Calic |
| Steph de Sousa |
| Theo Loizou |
| Tim Bone |
MasterChef Australia Season 17 Judges
MasterChef Australia Season 17 features a dynamic panel of four judges bringing diverse expertise to the competition. Andy Allen, the Season 4 winner turned culinary entrepreneur, returns with his practical approach and contestant perspective. Food writer and culinary explorer Sofia Levin joins the panel, bringing her extensive knowledge of global cuisines and food traditions. Fan-favorite Poh Ling Yeow makes the transition from contestant to judge, offering unique insights as someone who has experienced the competition firsthand. Rounding out the panel is acclaimed French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, whose classical training and international reputation add technical expertise and European flair to the judging team.
MasterChef Australia Season 17 Starting Date
The starting date of the show is expected in the month of July 2025. The exact starting date will be updated here after the official announcement from Network 10. Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Australia’s premier cooking competition, with promotional teasers suggesting this season will feature some of the most challenging cooking tasks and inspiring food journeys in the show’s history. The primetime slot is expected to remain unchanged, continuing the tradition of bringing culinary excellence to Australian households several nights a week.
MasterChef Australia Season 17 is shaping up to be an extraordinary culinary journey in 2025. The contestant lineup features a remarkable blend of 24 talented cooks, including returning favorites like Callum Hann, Laura Sharrad, and Depinder Chhibber, alongside promising newcomers. This diverse mix of culinary backgrounds and cooking styles promises to deliver innovative dishes and fierce competition throughout the season.
The judging panel brings together a perfect balance of expertise and fresh perspectives. Andy Allen returns with his practical experience as both a former winner and established chef. Sofia Levin adds her extensive knowledge of global food cultures, while Poh Ling Yeow’s transition from contestant to judge offers unique insights into the competition experience. French culinary master Jean-Christophe Novelli rounds out the panel, bringing classical training and international prestige to the kitchen.
As Australia’s premier cooking competition enters its 17th season, viewers can expect the same high production values, heartfelt moments, and mouth-watering creations that have made MasterChef Australia a beloved fixture in Australian households. The blend of returning contestants and fresh faces, combined with the dynamic new judging panel, suggests Season 17 will honor the show’s rich legacy while bringing exciting new elements to the MasterChef kitchen.
