Fans of the show have had enough of the nitpicking.

MasterChef fans are defending Andy from naysayers. Credit: Channel 10

It’s hard to believe that MasterChef Australia is in its 17th season already. The beloved cooking reality show has seen some very big changes over the years, from the iconic ‘Hot and Cold’ opener being done away with to a complete overhaul of the judging panel and the tragic passing of Jock Zonfrillo.

Since 2020, however, one thing has remained constant on MasterChef, and that is Andy Allen as one of the judges. The chef and restaurant owner, who won the fourth season of the series, previously helmed the show alongside Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong and is now joined by fellow former contestant Poh Ling Yeow, chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and food writer Sofia Levin.

Fans of the show have always been vocal about what they do and don’t like about the competition, but they’ve recently taken to defending Andy to viewers who have expressed negative opinions about him.

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 fans defend popular judge

“I’ve tried, and I’ve tried, and I’ve tried to like Andy…..,” one viewer recently lamented on social media.

However, rather than receiving commiseration, they were met with plenty of comments

“I like Andy,” one person replied. “He’s taken Jock’s judge position, and I think he’s doing an excellent job of it. I love Poh too, she’s so natural and always happy and supportive.”

“They’re all great. Jock is gone & life has to go on. They’re all doing the best they can. No one can replace Jock per se but I believe they’re doing a great job,” someone else wrote.

“I like him, he’s very knowledgeable,” a third person weighed in.

“Love Andy!” was another reply.

“He’s a great person & doing a good job, so keep your negative comments to yourself, please,” yet another person argued.

“Love all the current judges. They all bring different things to the show,” a different viewer replied.

MasterChef viewers call out judging panel for ‘feeling off’

Of course, Andy is not the only person from the show to face criticism, with many people expressing their displeasure at the new judging lineup at the start of the 2024 season.

“Finding a replacement for Jock was never going to be easy, and I love Poh,” one viewer wrote on Reddit last year. But does anyone else feel like the current judging panel is a slight overcorrect? Plus a guest judge, it’s too busy.”

They continued, “Maybe I need time to settle into the new judging panel, but it just feels off. Andy and Poh are great, I just don’t think everyone around them is executing as sharp as they do.”

“Give them some time to find their groove. This always happens when there is a new line up of judges,” one person replied.

All of the MasterChef judges have faced criticism at one point or another. Credit: Channel Ten

Poh Ling Yeow rumoured to be exiting MasterChef Australia

“It was weird when the last lot took over, too. They’d found their dynamic by the end of a season,” another agreed.

Now, with rumours swirling that Poh could be replaced with former winner Julie Goodwin, several fans are begging for her to stay.

“Love Poh, sad to see her go. All four judges are great,” one viewer wrote in response to the rumour.

“I will miss her very much!” another said.

“Poh is the best of them; she knows food and gives the most real critiques,” a third added.