Jean-Christophe Novelli looks very different a photo of the MasterChef judge from around 20 years ago.

One fan favourite MasterChef judge has left fans stunned after they discovered a throwback photo. Photo: Ten

It’s hard to pick a favourite judge on MasterChef, but one person who has stood out thanks to his sweet and warm nature, as well as his teaching ability, is Jean-Christophe Novelli, 64. The French chef has been working in kitchens since the age of 20 and has made many different TV appearances before his time on the Aussie cooking series.

He also as appeared on shows like Hell’s Kitchen, Celebrity X factor, Jonathan Ross, Alive – Back to the Andes, Comic & Sport Relief, Celebrity Cribs, Family Fortunes, Shooting Stars, Bargain Hunt, Children in Need, Cooking With The Stars, his American show Chef Academy, and Celebrity Hunted UK. He joined MasterChef as a judge alongside Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow and Sofia Levin in 2024.

MasterChef fans stunned by Jean-Christophe in throwback snap

The photo of Jean-Christophe that left MasterChef viewers stunned. Photo: Bravo
Given he’s only been on Aussie screens for a short period, fans would be forgiven for not knowing his breadth of work on other TV shows, but one fan spotted Jean-Christophe while rewatching an episode of Top Chef, and remarked on how different the chef looked in the show, which aired almost 20 years ago.

“Guess who was a judge on the American Top Chef season 5?” they wrote, alongside a photo of a younger Jean-Christophe, when he was around 44 years old.

Answering their own question, they added, “Jean-Christophe Novelli! I was rewatching old episodes of Top Chef and recognised his voice.”

Jean-Christophe looking very handsome in 2004. Photo: Getty

I wonder if the French chef ever tried his hand at modelling… Photo: Getty
“This find is fan-tas-tique!” one fan wrote, referencing Jean-Christophe’s accent.

“Handsome!” another wrote.J

“Good observation, might have to rewatch it,” a third said.

“No way!” one surprised fan said.

“If you read his bio on the 10Play website it says he’s been in heaps of tv shows in other countries!” someone else added.

Yet another throwback photo shared by Jean-Christophe himself! Photo: Instagram/jeanchristophe_novelli
“He looked Italian AF here,” one person said, with others confirming Jean-Christophe is indeed half Italian on his father’s side.

Last year, Jean-Christophe shared a photo of himself that was taken in 1985, and fans couldn’t help but comment on how handsome he looked.

“You look stunning JC,” one fan said, while another added, “Very handsome.

“So handsome then and now,” a third said. “You’re my favourite chef and judge on MasterChef so far.”

“Wow, such a young man/chef, and still looking great, just a lot more experience behind your apron,” yet another remarked.