Turn up your hibachi grills because a whole new season of MasterChef Australia is on the horizon — and get this — it’s another Back To Win season.
Yep, that’s right, 24 of your most beloved contestants are making a return to the MasterChef kitchen to finally claim the coveted MasterChef title and take home a nifty $250,000. In the mix are some podium finishers, some cooks who turned into social media sentations after their time on the show and even some flavour masters returning to the kitchen after a bit of a cheeky hiatus.
Of course, to win the top prize, the gang will have to impress the incredibly charismatic judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling-Yeow, Jean-Christophe Novelli and Sofia Levin.
But now it’s time to lift the cloche and reveal who will be walking through those big, daunting doors to slice, dice, mix and sauté on season 17 of MasterChef Australia.
Who is in the MasterChef: Back To Win season 17 cast?
Andre Ursini, SA (Season 1)
When Andre first appeared on season one of MasterChef Australia, he was a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed 28-year-old with a passion for cooking. Now, after becoming a successful restaurateur in Adelaide, he’s hoping that the MasterChef kitchen will reignite his passion for cooking.
Audra Morrice, NSW (Season 4)
Audra first appeared on our screens back in 2012 for season four, and has worked her way all the up – currently she’s a judge on MasterChef Singapore. She was also previously on the judging panel of MasterChef Asia, and states that her biggest priority is championing “diversity and culture through her food” for MasterChef Australia.
Beau Cook, Vic (Season 4)
You can check all of his stuff at @beaucook on Insta. (Image: Channel 10)
Beau first debuted his cooking prowess alongside Audra in season four, and has since taken up his “dream opportunity” of working as a firefighter – but mentions that his love for cooking “never waned”. Beau is also a big advocate for “re-wilding”, and states that his future “food dream” includes “more land, a bigger veggie patch and some animals”.
Ben MacDonald, NZ (Season 6)
You can find Ben over by his Instagram, @foodie_ben (Image: Channel 10)
This Kiwi was first cooking up a storm 11 years ago all the way back in season six, and has experience running a cafe, a bistro, and a fresh pasta delivery biz in Auckland – OK renaissance man! Ben says he’s added “considerably” to his culinary skillset, and I for one cannot wait to see exactly what it is he’s got on offer.
Callum Hann, SA (Season 2, Season 12)
@callums_kitchen on Instagram is where you can find more of his stuff. (Image: Channel 10)
As a person who’s been on both season two and 12, Callum is someone who knows the MasterChef kitchen way better than the majority of the folks on this list – but admits he still feels “nerves” on returning (who wouldn’t?!). In the meantime, Callum has opened two restaurants, Olive and Roma in Adelaide’s CBD, and even has time to run his culinary school Sprout.
Cath Collins, Vic (Season 15)
Want to see more of Cath’s stuff? Visit @cathskitchen_au on Insta. (Image: Channel 10)
After coming in fifth in season 15, Cath claims that she’s returning back to the MasterChef kitchen as a “wiser, calmer cook” and is focused on having heaps more fun this time around. She’s also been running her own food biz – Cath’s Kitchen – where she teaches in intimate cooking classes.
Darrsh Clarke, Vic, (Season 16)
Darrsh’s Insta account can be found here: @darrshclarke (Image: Channel 10)
Darrsh may have only just made his first appearance in season 16 last year, but since he just so happens to be roomies with fellow MasterChef contestant David Tan and season 16 winner Nat Thaipun, we reckon he’s probably getting tips from the absolute best. Not one to underestimate!
Declan Cleary, NSW (Season 15)
Find more of Declan’s stuff over at @declancleary on Insta. (Image: Channel 10)
Declan is still a massive seafood fan and a lover of all things fishy, but mentions that he’s been working hard to “expand his repertoire” and really push his skills in a more creative space. While he’s still working hard on his building business, he’s also been focused on traveling and presenting his culinary skillset at the same time.
Depinder Chhibber, NSW (Season 13)
@depinder_ on Instagram is where you can see more of Depinder’s stuff. (Image: Channel 10)
Since appearing on season 13, Depinder has been hard at work launching a Supper Club called Ghar, which translates to ‘home’ in Hindi. She’s mostly known for her incredible take on Indian cuisine, and hopes to show her daughters watching at home to “follow your passion” with her new stint in season 17.
Jamie Fleming, Qld (Season 6)
See Jamie over on Instagram at @jamieflemingofficial. (Image: Channel 10)
Jamie states that his appearance back in season six inspired him to follow his dream of launching his own venue, resulting in the births of restaurants Alba Bar & Deli in Brisbane and Spill Wine in Maleny. Jamie also says that food is his “love language”, and honestly? Same bestie!!
Jimmy Wong, NSW (Season 8)
See more of Jimmy over by his Insta: @jimmywongeats. (Image: Channel 10)
When Jimmy was first competing in season eight he was doing it alongside his literal sis Theresa Wong, but he’ll be entering the new MasterChef kitchen solo this time around. Jimmy has been working as a food photographer since finishing the season in sixth place, and you can check out all of his beaut snaps over at his Instagram at @jimmywongeats.
Laura Sharrad, SA (Season 6, Season 12)
@laurasharrad on Insta is where can see more of Laura’s work. (Image: Channel 10)
Another multi-season alum, Laura is shooting for gold after being the runner-up in both season six and 12. Laura says that she has every intention to take it “one step further” this season, and since she’s earned her stripes working in multiple kitchens and co-owning restaurants in Adelaide, we have no doubts she’ll make season 17 an absolute cracker.
Matt Hopcraft, Vic (Season 7)
See more of Matt on Insta by @matt_hopcraft. (Image: Channel 10)
Matt continued his career working in dentistry after finishing up the competition in season seven, and is now a certified smart cookie since he’s officially an Associate Professor at Melbourne University. Not only that, but Matt’s experience working as a cook in several kitchens have helped revamp his pasta-making skills to the absolute max. Can’t wait to see how this dentist and pasta aficionado has got up his sleeves.
Pete Campbell, NSW (Season 13)
Pete’s Insta account is @my.mate.pete. (Image: Channel 10)
The self-taught chef and former tattoo artist came in second place in 2021 for season 13, so this time he’s ready and raring to show he can bring home the first place prize for season 17. Pete‘s hosted pop-ups in New York City and has worked in Sydney’s Poly since his first season.
Rhiannon Anderson, Qld (Season 15)
Check out more of Rhiannon over by @rhiplenish on Insta. (Image: Channel 10)
Rhiannon is a big lover of South-East cuisine and, as she puts it, “punch in the face flavours”, and says that she’s ready for everything the new season will throw at her. Rhiannon has also launched her own business, Rhiplenish, where she runs cooking demonstrations and advice on working with brands.
Rue Mupedzi, WA (Season 15)
Visit Rue on Insta at @ruetendom. (Image: Channel 10)
Dental hygienist Rue (wow, dentistry really is a bit of a trend for this season huh?) admitted that fear held her back when she first appeared in season 15, but says that she is “determined not to squander this second chance to come back” and “do it right” for this season.
Samira El Khafir, Vic, (Season 5)
You can find Samira on Instagram at @samiraelkhafir. (Image: Channel 10)
Samira first hit our screens in season five, where she placed third. The former telecommunications worker and trained hairdresser has also been busy raising two daughters since her appearance in 2013, and has also published a cookbook.
Sarah Todd, Vic (Season 6, Season 14)
Sarah is one Instagram on @sarahtodd. (Image: Channel 10)
Sarah was featured in season six and 14, and has been lauded as an accomplished chef, restauranteur, author, TV host, and business owner. Bloody hell! She’s also launched her own hot sauce brand, Hot Toddy.
Savindri Perera, SA (Season 16)
See Savindri on Instagram under @savisquishles. (Image: Channel 10)
Savindri is another fresh season 16 alum, and placed third in the 2024 competition. The former banking consultant has started her own business since then, and she currently works as a private chef in event catering.
Snezana Calic, Vic (Season 16)
@snezanacalic_official is where you can find Snezana on Instagram. (Image: Channel 10)
Describing herself as a “generous, instinctual home cook”, Snezana is happy to proudly represent the Serbian community with her cooking in the new season. She’s also currently working on a cookbook dedicated to Mediterranean and Serbian cuisine.
Steph De Sousa, NSW (Season 11)
Find Steph on Insta under @steph_cooks_stuff. (Image: Channel 10)
Steph is one of the bubbliest MasterChef contestants ever to grace our TV screens, and is also known as the ‘frugal foodie’ due to her prowess cooking up delish but on-the-go meals that won’t break the bank. Steph is aiming to hit the Top 10 this season, and only time will tell if she’ll reach her goals.
Theo Loizou, Vic, (Season 15)
Find Theo on Instagram under @theegram. (Image: Channel 10)
Theo finished in fourth place back in season 15, and says that he is “focused” and “ready to go” for season 17. He’s still working as an electrician, but he’s keen to prove to the judges that he has the chops to win.
Tim Bone, Vic (Season 11)
Visit Tim on Instagram over at @timbonefood. (Image: Channel 10)
Tim placed fourth in season 11, saying that he “took the ball and ran with it” after he finished up the competition. He since created ‘Tim’s Toasties’, a mobile gourmet toasted sandwich business that celebrates local produce.
Pretty high calibre of talent here, huh?
While we don’t know exactly when these smiling faces will be battling it out on our screens just yet, the big dogs at Channel 10 have promised it is “coming soon” to 10 and 10Play.
Plus, we’ll keep you posted the moment we know the date.
