Find out who’s thriving and who…isn’t?

Scroll on to see what they’ve been up to since you last saw them on your television screens…
Veronica & Shadi were the first winners of MKR (Credit: Channel Seven)

Season 1: Veronica & Shadi (2010)

Brisbane couple Veronica and Shadi Abrahams clinched the crown in MKR’s dramatic first grand final all the way back in 2010.

Not only was it a nail-biting finish, with the husband and wife just beating out Victoria’s Clint and Noah, but Seven was forced to rebroadcast the finale when a storm knocked out power to the metro area.

Following the show, the Abrahams opened Ave’ Cucina & Coffee Bar in Coorparoo, Queensland, but later sold the business to focus on family and their four children.

“The restaurant was definitely a lifelong dream,” Veronica told New Idea in a 2022 interview. “And so was having children, and it took us a little while to have kiddies. So, after we had our third, it just became clearer to both of us that something had to give, and it wasn’t going to be our family.

“We found it hard after we had our third to balance the business and family life. Reluctantly, we decided to sell. It was a bittersweet decision.”

In the same interview, Shadi revealed that he had swapped his knives for hammers and saws and returned to his trade of building.
Sammy and Bella hosted their own series for a while. (Credit: Facebook)

Season 2: Sammy & Bella (2011)

Sisters Sammy and Bella Jakubiak have been very successful since their win in 2011.

The pair have made regular TV appearances and even hosted their own series called Sammy and Bella’s Kitchen Rescue on Channel 10.

Bella started her own catering company called Bella’s Feast and expanded the business into the ACT, where she lives with her MAFS alum hubby James Webster.

Not to be outdone, Sammy has appeared as a guest judge on the Polish version of MasterChef. She runs a popular deli in Sydney and appeared at the Good Food & Wine festival.

But while the pair’s profile naturally rose after their appearance on MKR, in a 2020 interview with the Daily Telegraph, Bella revealed she didn’t want to be associated with the MKR “brand and the chaos”.

“I don’t want people to think that I’m a wild character because I’m not. I’m very boring, I’m utterly dull; I just cook all day,” she said.

“That’s what I want to be like. That’s my personal brand. I’ve stayed true to who I am, but the brand of MKR has evolved.”
Leigh and Jennifer’s relationship did not survive the season. (Credit: Channel Nine)

Season 3: Leigh & Jennifer (2012)

Let’s face it, we all love a messy split – and controversial winners Leigh Saxton and Jennifer Evans provided just that.

Following the finale, Leigh revealed to our sister publication Woman’s Day that the two weren’t on speaking terms anymore.

“I don’t often talk about the hurt I felt after the show,” Leigh said. “It’s like Jennifer just disappeared and wiped her hands clean of our friendship.”

According to Leigh, Jennifer moved to Sydney after filming, and from there things changed.

“I’d send her ‘Hello, how are you?’ texts or an email, and nothing would come back to me, and it’s really sad,” Leigh shared.

“I know she was having a baby, there was a lot going on, but there are a lot of women having babies, your life doesn’t stop. I was always very confused as to why she wouldn’t get back to me.”

However, Jennifer hit back at the claim.

“I never said anything bad about her, I’ve never done anything bad,” she told Woman’s Day. “She didn’t even make an effort to try to talk to me. I never wiped my hands of the friendship; I just don’t understand why she would say that.”

In 2016, Jennifer spoke again to Woman’s Day, revealing she split from her husband Wayne after attempting a fresh start in Tasmania.

“I really struggled after MKR,” she told the publication at the time.

“It definitely had something to do with the failure of our marriage because I hated myself after the show and began to doubt everything I did, which really frustrated Wayne because he’s my biggest fan.”
Dan and Steph say the show saved their marriage. (Credit: Instagram)

Season 4: Dan & Steph (2013)

Another couple who faced their challenges after their stint on MKR were Dan and Steph Mulheron.

The self-confessed underdogs of the 2013 season used their prize money to open their own business and welcome their first child, Emmy, into the world via IVF.

But along with the joy came incredible struggle.

“We’ve had financial struggles trying to run a small business and faced our own life challenges at home – both of us were in a dark place for a while,” Steph candidly told TV Week in 2020.

Dan went as far as to say the couple had become “like strangers in the dark”.

“If I were at home, Steph would be at work, and vice versa. Then, we’d be Mum and Dad to Emmy – but not us, together,” he shared.

That was until the pair were invited to return to MKR in 2020 for The Rivals season.

“It then forced us to find our own routine away from home, reconnect and learn more about each other,” Steph revealed.

“We’d go for big walks every morning [before filming began] and discuss the competition; that was the game-changer,” Dan added.

“I wouldn’t say it saved our marriage…. well, actually, it kind of did!”

In 2023, Dan and Steph decided to sell their Hervey Bay restaurant, with Dan taking up a role at the local RSL, and Steph working in real estate.

A year later, Dan revealed he had been working as the canteen manager at a local primary school on the Fraser Coast.

“After nearly 12 years of hard slog, pushing day in day out to make ends meet and make a go of it, this is a perfect sort of role for me,” Dan told ABC.

He and Steph also frequently share life updates, including cooking pop-ups at various festivals and events on their Facebook page.
Mum’s Bree and Jess continue their passion for cooking. (Credit: Channel Seven)

Season 5: Bree & Jessica (2014)

Despite rumours to the contrary, fan favourites and 2014 winners Bree May and Jessica Liebich are still BFFs.

Following the show, Jess launched her own kitchen called Jessy’s Kitchen at Pepper Tree Aldinga, and most recently, it appears she was the children’s chef at Casa Bambini Early Learning.

Bree went on to launch her own catering business and luxury ketchup line.

In 2014, as rumours swirled that the pair were no longer friends, Bree clarified the situation in an interview with 2Day FM Breakfast Show.

“We are very different people and we have very different personalities,” she said, “But we would never have got to where we got to without one another. We are like ying and yang.”
Will and Steve were nicknamed “The Gourmet Pommies”. (Credit: Instagram)

Season 6: Will & Steve (2015)

Following their win, “The Gourmet Pommies” Will Stewart and Steve Flood left the banking world behind to pursue their cooking careers, with the duo doing some work with Butcher and the Farmer at Sydney’s Tramsheds.

The pair also appeared regularly on Studio 10 and published a cookbook called Home Cook, Aspiring Chef.

They later became ambassadors for RUOK after Will revealed he had suffered from anxiety and depression all his life.

“I think the show was a great stepping stone for the future, but in life, lots of doors open, you still have to walk through it and then turn one opportunity into another and another,” Steve told Mamamia in 2019.

“Fortunately for Will and I, we went from strength to strength and really built something tangible for ourselves.”

Will added: “I think there’s an illusion that you just go on reality television and everything just falls into your lap with offers of work and money, and that’s just not the case.”

“We enjoy working together, and I think that helps a lot,” Will continued. “You have to play to your strengths, as well. Steve is very naturally gifted with food; he’s very creative. And I can do as I’m told,” he joked
Tasia and Gracia have their own catering company. (Credit: Instagram)

Season 7: Tasia & Gracia (2016)

For sisters Tasia and Gracia Seger, their time on MKR has been extra rewarding.

Fans of the duo rushed to book them when they opened their own catering company, with one saying, “Tasia and Gracia were amazing, not only did they suggest a great menu, they also helped with decorations and brought in their own plates and cutlery to give us the MKR experience.”

The pair also launched their own merch line with aprons, sauces, and chopping boards.

In 2024, the pair told Mamamia their culinary career was still going strong.

“We both are still in the food industry and loving it. We are running Makan restaurant in Melbourne that we opened in 2018. You can find Tasia in the kitchen and Gracia running the floor. We are also Coles Supermarket ambassadors and work with other brands creating recipes and food testing.”
Amy and Tyson have led quiet lives. (Credit: Instagram)

Season 8: Amy & Tyson (2017)

Unlike some other winners, brother and sister duo Amy and Tyson Murr have pursued quieter lives since their time on MKR.

While Tyson followed his dream of becoming a chef, Amy returned to her previous career in HR.

On a personal note, Tyson tied the knot with his partner Kennie Merkley at a COVID-safe ceremony, before hosting a larger event with friends and family in Italy.
Alex proposed to Emily in LA. (Credit: Instagram)

Season 9: Alex & Emily (2018)

After their 2018 win, Alex Clark and Emily O’Kane took home $250,000 – and a whole lot of drama.

Following filming, Emily spoke out against her characterisation on the show, particularly how it portrayed her relationship with Alex, with TV viewers gathering from the edit that Emily spent a lot of time yelling “Alex!” on the show.

“I mean this with no disrespect to anyone who’s got opinions, but they wouldn’t know the first thing about our relationship,” Emily told Mamamia in 2018.

“Everyone at home sees like an hour and a half of us each night under a crazy pressure cooker environment.”

“I know I didn’t say Alex that many times. Some of those times it was repeated. I wasn’t constantly saying Alex’s name,” she added.

In spite of all the pressure, the pair came out of their reality TV experience all the stronger.

“You know what? People can say whatever they want,” Emily explained. “Alex and I know the relationship we have, and we know how strong we are, and we know the connection we have, and we know what people are saying online is not at all what our relationship is like.

“It’s very easy for people to think they know us and to think they understand how our relationship works, but they really don’t.”

Indeed, the couple went on to prove it when Alex proposed at Venice Beach in 2019.

In an emotional Instagram post, he said he felt like the “happiest man alive” when Emily said yes.

“I hope all of our friends and family are just as happy as we are right now,” Alex shared. “I feel I’m the luckiest man alive, can’t wipe the smile off my face!”

The pair went on to start a foodie Instagram page together and welcome a dog called Sōba.
Matt and Luke have big plans for the future. (Credit: Supplied)

Season 10: Matt & Luke (2019)

Newcastle boys Matt Gawthrop and Luke Stewart returned to their regular jobs following their 2019 win, but had plans to make cooking a permanent career.

“We’re currently trying to work together on a few ideas we’ve had. There are a few little things in the pipeline. We are keen to stick with our passions and see if we can integrate food into the things that we love to do already,” Luke told New Idea at the time.

In 2024, they signed up to the catering business Gathar, where ordinary people can hire private chefs and also routinely do live cooking demonstrations at various food shows across Australia.
Jake and Elle’s winnings will go back into their business. (Credit: Instagram)

Season 11: Jake & Elle (MKR: The Rivals, 2020)

The second time’s the charm for 2020 winners Jake and Elle, who faced off against Dan and Steph to win the MKR: The Rivals season.

It was a bittersweet moment for the siblings, who couldn’t be together to watch the final due to COVID-19.

Ten days before learning they had won the series, their food stall was forced to close due to the pandemic – and it remained shut.

In June 2021, Elle revealed she had welcomed a baby girl into the world.

“On Saturday, 12th June, we welcomed our beautiful BABY GIRL into the world ✨ Cartia Fleur Cummins,” she shared on Instagram.

“Born at 3:31am weighing 8.8 pounds.”

In the post, the reality star revealed her daughter shared the same birthday as “her Uncle Jake”.

Elle continues to share her love of baking on her own Instagram page, b.a.k.e.therapy.
Janelle and Monzir at their pop-up restaurant. (Credit: Instagram)

Season 12: Janelle and Monzir (2022)

Before they filmed MKR, Janelle and Monzir’s families didn’t know they were in an interracial relationship for almost two years.

After winning over Australia’s hearts and tummies in 2022, the pair officially won over their parents’ hearts as well and were spotted cooking with their families on Instagram.

Monzir’s mum was seen cooking with their own brand of Agashe (a traditional Sudanese spice), and Janelle’s mum was spotted helping out in their pop-up kitchen.

As of 2024, Monzir was working as a model and personal trainer and the culinary brand which he co-founded with Janelle – Monzelle – was going strong.

The name of the brand is aptly a fusion of their names.

“Our culinary journey reached new heights after we won the hit TV show, My Kitchen Rules,” the pair write on their website. “Our win wasn’t just a testament to our culinary skills but a celebration of love for food and exploration.

“From traditional Turkish delights to Egyptian delicacies, we have always believed in the power of food to connect people and cultures.”

Janelle remains active on social media, sharing her love of cooking and favourite recipes with the likes of Sunrise and The Morning Show.

She also owns Sassy Sprinkles, a colourful apron brand.
My Kitchen Rules 2023 winners Radha and Prabha. (Credit: Channel Seven)

Season 13: Radha and Prabha (2023)

Since taking home the title in 2023, the twins used their prize money to create a recipe book they appropriately named Twindian Flavour Cookbook.

“The Twindian Flavour Cookbook isn’t just a collection of recipes — it’s a celebration of who we are,” the pair wrote on their website. “From rich curries to buttery flatbreads, each page brings you closer to the flavours we grew up with — and the ones we’re falling in love with all over again.

​“Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this book makes Twindian cooking easy, joyful, and full of soul. It’s perfect for weeknight meals, family feasts, or just when you need a taste of home.”

The sisters also share recipes online and on their socials and run cooking masterclasses around the country.

They often appear on Channel Seven programs such as The Morning Show to showcase their best recipes.
Simone and Viviana on MKR. (Credit: Channel 7)

Season 14: Simone and Viviana (2024)

When the “Modern Italians” Simone and Viviana won Season 14 of MKR, the best friends immediately had plans for their cash prize.

Simone told Yahoo Lifestyle that he planned to put half the money towards raising his son, with the restaurateur revealing on air that he and his partner, Victoria, were expecting their first baby together.

“I will use it towards, obviously, my son that is on the way and I will use it to get the visa to get my father to Australia,” he told the publication.

Viviana, meanwhile, declared that she’d like to spend some of the money on getting on to the property ladder.

“For me, to be honest, I would love to use the money to put down a deposit for an apartment,” the star told Yahoo. “I would love a two-bedroom apartment in the area where I live; it would absolutely be my dream.”