Andy, Poh, Jean-Christophe and Sofia have returned with a delicious serving of drama

Think you’ve already seen pressure in the MasterChef kitchen? Think again! The iconic cooking competition is back with a twist. This time, it’s the best of the best who are trying for another shot at glory in MasterChef Australia: Back To Win.

The heat is on for the four hosts, season four winner Andy Allen, season one runner-up Poh Ling Yeow, French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and award-winning food critic Sofia Levin.

But Andy, 36, insists, “Don’t worry about what the judges and guests are doing – this is all about the contestants. What they’re doing to get their hands on the trophy is unreal. Three contestants have come second in the past, so the competition is fierce!”

Adds Poh, 51, “Back To Win is a really special concept. It gives contestants who’ve come so close the chance to see if time has given them the wisdom and experience to navigate it all with a fresher, fiercer energy.”

Poh’s feeling the pressure too – and not just from the stovetop. “So many of the alumni are South Australians like me and they’re great mates with very successful businesses,” she admits. “For me to judge my comrades felt wildly intimidating, although it’s been nothing but a joy.”

Reality TV veteran Jean-Christophe, 64, had to leave his home and family in the UK for five months. Regardless, he felt the filming experience was one of the best he’s ever had.

“It’s a culinary marathon,” he grins. “You tell me anywhere around the world where there’s a cooking competition, even in the US and in France, and there is not one like MasterChef Australia, I promise you.”

The returning contestants are tested like never before, but so too are the judges, shares Poh. “To park my competitive brain and just witness their talents from the other side of the room has been enlightening. The stakes are high now.”

New faces and returning legends are what this season’s all about, with guest stars including Gordon Ramsay, which is very exciting for Jean-Christophe, who says, “I’ve known Gordon since 1987, so he would have to be my favourite guest judge.”
Previous contestants Andy and Poh know the pressure points..
When it comes to their own dynamic, the foursome – who had their first season together last year, after the tragic loss of Jock Zonfrillo in 2023 and the withdrawal of Melissa Leong – declare they’ve found their groove.

“We work together so well because we have different strengths and we respect those things about each other,” tells Andy. “We’ve been together for two seasons now and we get along so well.”

Adds Sofia, 35, “It feels like family. Poh and I are like giggly sisters – the crew call us Pohfia! Andy’s our brother who dishes out great advice and either joins in with the jokes or rolls his eyes, while Jean-Christophe is the eccentric uncle, swinging between explosive entertainment and utmost sincerity.”

And the toughest moments to watch? “The pressure tests are hardest to witness,” says Poh. “It’s remarkable to see someone who is ready to give up summon every bit of courage and energy to keep going, then win best dish of the day.”

The contestants cook their hearts out and the judges are soaking it all in. Poh teases, “No spoilers, but let’s just say a dream of mine comes true this season. This show has given me so many fairytale moments, but this one takes the cake!”

MasterChef Australia: Back To Win screens 7.30pm Monday to Wednesday on TVNZ 2 and streams on TVNZ+.