If you’re a fan of foodie competition shows, M-Net will be serving up a fresh dose of new seasons from MasterChef Australia and MasterChef Dessert Masters this July. Fans can tune in to Season 2 of MasterChef Australia Dessert Masters on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) every Sunday at 6pm and Season 17 of MasterChef Australia from 30 June, Monday-Friday at 6pm.
MasterChef Australia Dessert Masters is hosted by Australian freelance food writer, food critic, television host, radio broadcaster, cookbook editor and marketer Melissa Leong – previously a judge on MasterChef Australia from 2020 to 2023 and French-Swiss pastry chef and chocolatier Amaury Guichon. The competition follows a similar structure to its parent show, with challenges testing technical skills, creativity and time management under high-pressure conditions as the contestants produce restaurant-quality desserts under the watchful eye of Leong, Guichon and a series of superstar guest chefs.
Leong told Missing Perspectives that she’s certain of the next-level calibre of sweet creations that audiences will drop jaws in the new season of Dessert Masters. “The audience needs to prepare to be amazed,” she laughs. “It’s truly a season of spectacle anchored in substance, and that is where I love to be – because style is one thing, substance is another. When you can bring those two together and have it be made by people at the top of their game, that’s what I live for,” she said.
Meanwhile, the 17th season of MasterChef Australia sees Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Michelin-starred chef Jean-Christophe Novelli return as judges – with the 24 contestants who will fight for the coveted trophy and AU$250 000 prize also all familiar with the MasterChef kitchen.
Alana Lowes (Season 3); Andre Ursini (Season 1); Audra Morrice (Season 4); Beau Cook (Season 4); Ben Macdonald (Season 6); Callum Hann (Season 2 and 12); Cath Collins (Season 15); Darrsh Clarke (Season 16); Declan Cleary (Season 15); Depinder Chhibber (Season 13); Jamie Fleming (Season 6); Laura Sharrad (Season 6 & 12); Pete Campbell (Season 13); Rhiannon Anderson (Season 15); Rue Mupedzi (Season 15); Samira El Khafir (Season 5); Sarah Todd (Season 6 & 14); Snezana Calic (Season 16); Theo Loizou (Season 15); Tim Bone (Season 11); Jimmy Wong (Season 8); Matt Hopcraft (Season 7); ); Sav Perera (Season 16) and Steph De Souza (Season 11) and are back in the pressure cooker this season – with a point to prove.
There are guest judges galore, too, with the opening week headlined by a legendary culinary firebrand. “Every time I walk into the MasterChef kitchen, it takes me back to where it all began,” shared judge Andy Allen. “Now, as a judge, I try to give others the same support and belief that was given to me. What makes it even more special is the love the show gets from around the world”.
