MasterChef fans think that one of the judges might not be back on our screens next year.

MasterChef fans have taken to social media after noticing a sad detail about one of the show’s judges. Photo: Ten

MasterChef fans are not a bunch to keep their opinions to themselves. Whether it’s major changes to the show’s format, the absence of Katy Perry’s ‘Hot ‘n’ Cold’ in the opener or the contestant’s disregard for hygiene standards, viewers are not afraid to speak their minds.

The reality cooking show’s fans have also been open about their disdain for the judges on the show at times and have even made public pleas for replacements to be made. However, in an interesting turn of events, viewers are now expressing concern that the judging panel lineup could be about to change once more.

Following the tragic loss of Jock Zonfrillo in 2023 and Melissa Leong’s move to Dessert Masters, Andy Allen remained the only judge from the trio.

Former contestant Poh Ling Yeow, French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and food writer Sofia Levin were then brought on board to round out the team.

These changes made it a judging panel of four for the first time on the show, and with that came the juggle of ensuring everyone gets equal airtime, which, unfortunately, doesn’t always happen.

Andy Allen has been hosting MasterChef since 2020 and was joined by Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli in 2024. Credit: Channel Ten

MasterChef viewer notices sad detail about Jean-Christophe

One MasterChef viewer took to Reddit to kickstart a conversation about Jean-Christophe after noticing that they haven’t seen him as much on the show this season.

“Is it just me or is there very little Jean-Christophe this season?” the viewer asked. “They barely show him and his comments are kept really brief as well. Is it just the language barrier? He was so warm and had so many teaching moments last season.”

And it turns out they’re not the only ones to notice, with many more viewers revealing they also thought the same.

“Yes! I loved his over-the-top enthusiasm last season! We’ve seen far too little of that this time around,” one person agreed.

“He’s a multi-Michelin star winner! [MasterChef Australia] is darn lucky to have him,” another said. “I hope they are treating JC better than it looks re air time because the man is gold. I sometimes wonder what he’s thinking when he’s having to listen to the culinary musings of waaaay less experienced people.”

“I do think it is the language barrier especially when it comes to critiquing the food,” a third said. “And [I don’t know] is it just me but I feel really bad that they’re using the most experienced and skilled chef on the panel just for humour purposes… kinda like a comedian… it just doesn’t sit right with me for some reason.”

Someone else responded, “I don’t think there’s that much of a language barrier. I think when he actually gets air time, his feedback and critique is very sophisticated. The editing just makes it look like all he says is ‘fantastic’ all the time. I find his feedback very professional and more professional than that of Andy.”

“Agree, I even think in recent episodes he’s barely there at all,” another wrote.

The message is clear – viewers want more Jean-Christophe! Photo: Ten

‘Planning to remove him next season’

One fan went so far as to suggest Jean-Christophe might not be on the show for much longer, writing, “I was thinking the exact same thing! Maybe they are planning to remove him next season.”

“Nooo I hope not!” another replied. “They need a senior chef in the cast don’t they? No one can be Jock and I don’t think Gary [Mehigan] will come back.”

“I hope they don’t get rid of him – unless he wants to go!” Someone else agreed. “He is an absolute delight! Him, Andy and Poh can stay, that other lady, don’t even remember her name – is superfluous and of very little value IMHO. They only need 3 judges!”

“It’s because the producers seem to think Andy is the ‘star’ of the show,” someone else suggested. “Ever since Jock’s passing (RIP), he seems to think and act like he’s the boss despite the lack of culinary achievements compared to JC. Yeah, JC is French and he’s accent is quite thick, but I can understand him clear as day. He’s vocab is better than Andy’s ‘it’s a banging dish’ everyday of the week.”

“I have been thinking the very same thing,” one viewer added. “[Jean-Christophe] is so well liked. The editing this season really sucks.”