MasterChef Australia is officially back on screen, and all our favourite familiar faces have returned.
Judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli will be putting the 2026 contestants through their paces, but this year, there are 24 new contestants.
Even though the season has just started, one producer has pulled back the curtain and shared more about how the season is filmed.
Scroll on to find out everything you need to know about the 2026 season.
How is MasterChef Australia filmed?
While the season is filmed over five months, Endemol Shine Australia’s Director of Content, Marty Benson, revealed that filming is still underway.
“We’ll be finished by the end of April,” he told TV Tonight.
He also revealed that it will be the same as last year, with 60 episodes overall, and from next week, it will air every Sunday to Wednesday.
“We include many masterclasses and demos in a lot of episodes, but there is a masterclass towards the end, as well,” he continued.
Marty also revealed that there will be off site challenges, but did not share any details about a stint overseas.
Head of Unscripted for Paramount ANZ, Sarah Thorton, said themed weeks are also returning.
“Audience favourites, like Sweet Week are, of course, in there,” she shared with the publication. “We’ve got some really exciting themes this year that I think are informed by the types of guests… people like Andy Cooks, coming in and bringing new energy and themes with them.”
Who are the judges for MasterChef Australia 2026?
MasterChef Australia alumni Andy Allen and Poh Ling Yeow, Logie nominee Sofia Levin, and Michelin-starred chef Jean-Christophe Novelli will once again critique dishes this year.
Fans can breathe a sigh of relief after there were fears that Jean-Christophe wouldn’t return after he signed on to an international cooking show.
As per usual, we will be treated with incredible dishes and impressive cameos.
Throughout the teaser, which was released on March 10, Andy said the “new superstars of food” will rise to the occasion.
Who is guest-judging on MasterChef Australia 2026?
Just when we thought the judging line-up couldn’t get any bigger, on April 15, Channel 10 revealed that Meghan Markle, aka the Duchess of Sussex, will make an appearance.
In footage released by Network 10, she is seen walking through the kitchen and hugging the judges.
“The Duchess was quite clear on knowing the contestants better,” Poh explained to 10 News+ after the announcement was made.
“And she said, ‘You know, you know these guys, but I don’t. So I would really like to see some stories and food that’s going to show us their personalities.'”
“And you know, she’s a home cook, and she’s a gardener herself. So when you think about it, we’re getting more and more connected to our food,” judge Sofia Levin added.
So, who else will join Poh, Jean-Christophe, Andy and Sofia?
On April 6, the network released a teaser on social media, revealing that “MasterChef family reunion is officially a go!”
That means we will be seeing our favourites coming back as guest judges, including none other than Khanh Ong.
“I cannot wait for you guys to see what we’ve got cooking,” fan favourite Khanh said.
Jess Lemon, who competed on Dessert Masters and two seasons of MasterChef, will also be returning.
Season one favourite Marion Grasby also revealed that she’s going to be a guest, as did Justine Schofield and Sarah Todd.
Not only that, but season eight runner-up Matt Sinclair is also joining them.
Poh has teased that MasterChef lovebirds Sarah and Declan will both be back in the kitchen – and they even brought the twins with them!
“It was so lovely. And Deckers comes in with the twins as well. So that was a massive treat to have a little cuddle with the twins, and to see him be a dad, because he actually talked about it in last season quite a bit,” she told Chattr.
“That was such a lovely full circle moment, it was really fantastic.”
While the show is known for its chef star power, several Aussie icons will also be in the kitchen during the 18th season.
Dancing with the Stars USA champion and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! host Robert Irwin will be trading the zoo for the kitchen.
Former Cold Chisel frontman Jimmy Barnes will also make an appearance with his wife, Jane.
“I couldn’t come here without bringing you something special,” he said to the contestants, so we will have to wait and see what he has in store for them.
Maggie Beer, Josh Niland, Dobbers, Rosheen Kaul, Adriano Zumbo, MasterChef Australia alumni Justine Schofield and international chef Rick Stein will also share their wisdom during the 18th season.
Social media superstars DimSimLim, Andy Cooks, Recipes by Victoria’s Victoria Minell, and biteswithlily’s Lily Huynh will also bring their A-game to the MasterChef kitchen.
When is MasterChef Australia 2026 airing?
The 2026 season of MasterChef Australia premiered on Sunday, April 19, and saw newcomer Jackie Yu vying to impress the judges.
MasterChef will be back airing on a four-night schedule from Sunday to Wednesday nights.
The cooking competition will air every Sunday at 7pm and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7.30pm on Channel 10.
You can catch up with all the latest MasterChef Australia action on 10 Play.
Who are the MasterChef Australia 2026 contestants?
After three days of auditions, the Top 24 have been revealed.
Read more about them here, and read our exclusive interviews with Jackie Yu and Luke Harris.
Who won MasterChef Australia 2025?
Last year, we watched fan favourite Laura Sharrad enter the competition for a third time and win the competition!
