MasterChef Australia’s Eric Mao reveals what the judges are really like behind-the-scenes

MasterChef’s Eric Mao reveals what judges Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo are really like when the cameras stop rolling


He exited the MasterChef kitchen after failing to win over the judges with his version of Clinton McIver’s aged lamb. 

And on Wednesday, Eric Mao, 21, told Yahoo! Australia what judges Melissa Leong, Andy Allen, and Jock Zonfrillo are really like when the cameras stop rolling.  

 ‘It’s not that obvious, but they have really great chemistry off-camera,’ he said.

The secret is out: On Wednesday, MasterChef’s Eric Mao [pictured] revealed what the judges are really like when the cameras stop rolling 

‘They’re really close with each other, they all have a great bond. That’s something that you don’t actually see, I don’t think it’s that obvious.’

Eric also revealed that the tasting portion of the show takes a considerable amount of time as the judges aimed to be thorough with their process. 

‘I reckon each person would get a solid 15 minutes,’ he told the publication. 

Eric’s comments come after Channel 10 confirmed it’s reviving the 2009 celebrity format on Tuesday, sharing an Instagram post that read: ‘Get ready… Celebrity MasterChef is coming.’

Following the announcement, judge Jock Zonfrillo revealed a ‘sports star, a famous actor and an Australian icon’ will be among the cast.

Coming soon: Channel 10 has confirmed a new season of Celebrity MasterChef. Pictured L-R  are judges Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong and Andy Allen

Coming soon: Channel 10 has confirmed a new season of Celebrity MasterChef. Pictured L-R  are judges Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong and Andy Allen

‘Celebrity MasterChef 2021!!! A legendary sports person, an Aussie icon and a famous actor are ready to don a MasterChef apron and face the heat of the famed MasterChef kitchen,’ he wrote on Instagram.

‘Cannot WAIT for this!! Coming very soon.’

On Monday, The Australian hinted the network was looking to revive Celebrity MasterChef in lieu of last year’s Junior MasterChef, which delivered poor ratings. 

Exciting! The network confirmed reports it's reviving the 2009 celebrity format on Tuesday, sharing an Instagram post that read: 'Get ready… Celebrity MasterChef is coming'

Exciting! The network confirmed reports it’s reviving the 2009 celebrity format on Tuesday, sharing an Instagram post that read: ‘Get ready… Celebrity MasterChef is coming’

The report claimed Network 10 had ‘secretly commissioned’ another season of Celebrity MasterChef last month, with the series set to air at the end of the year.

The show is currently in the casting stages of production, with filming set to begin in just a few weeks.

High on their casting wish list is model Lara Worthington (née Bingle) and former Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop.

Making a comeback: A report by The Australian on Monday revealed the network was looking to revive Celebrity MasterChef after last year's Junior MasterChef delivered poor ratings

Making a comeback: A report by The Australian on Monday revealed the network was looking to revive Celebrity MasterChef after last year’s Junior MasterChef delivered poor ratings

Wish list: The show is currently in the casting stages, with filming set to begin in just a few weeks. Pictured is Lara Worthington, who is reportedly high on producers' wish lists

Wish list: The show is currently in the casting stages, with filming set to begin in just a few weeks. Pictured is Lara Worthington, who is reportedly high on producers’ wish lists

Celebrity MasterChef last aired on Network 10 back in 2009, and featured the likes of Michelle Bridges, Rachael Finch, Josh Thomas, Kirk Pengilly, Alex Perry, and winner Eamon Sullivan.

Rumours first emerged in April that 10 was planning on reviving the series, with New Idea reporting that the show had received ‘the go-ahead’.

According to New Idea, MasterChef judges Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo would still front the Celebrity version.

Dream team: Producers are also reportedly targeting former Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop (pictured)

Dream team: Producers are also reportedly targeting former Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop (pictured)