The ratings for MasterChef Australia’s twelfth season have been impressive so far, with viewers gushing over the three new judges: Melissa Leong, Jock Zonfrillo and Andy Allen.
And it seems the old judges, particularly Matt Preston and George Calombaris, are missing the limelight as they hunker down at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Without a cooking show on which to share their culinary tips and tricks, restaurant critic Matt, 58, and chef George, 41, have been making tutorials for Instagram.
Regret that decision yet? MasterChef’s old judges have been sharing kitchen tips on Instagram as the cooking competition soars to new heights with new hosts. Pictured: George Calombaris
While in lockdown on Monday, Matt demonstrated a cheap and easy Italian mussel dish to his 392,000 followers.
The cravat-wearing food writer created the seafood dish with a tomato-based soup, crispy lentils and capers.
Unfortunately, the video recording was not the best quality and a fan joked in the comments: ‘What did you record this on, a Nokia 3310?’
He has also shared tutorials on how to make almond hummus and Negroni cocktails.
Sharing his tips: While in lockdown on Monday, Matt Preston (pictured) demonstrated a cheap and easy Italian mussel dish to his 392,000 followers
Recipes: He has also shared tutorials on how to make almond hummus and Negroni cocktails
George posted a video on Wednesday of himself making honeycomb as part of a ‘Sweet Week’ series on his Instagram account.
He paid close attention to the pot, often brushing down the sides with water to keep the mix of caster sugar, honey and bi-carb soda from crystallising.
‘This recipe is the base of many other dessert dishes… if there is anything left after you eat it all,’ he said.
‘Cover it with melted chocolate, crumble it over your pavlova or simply serve it with vanilla ice-cream.’
Many fans commented that they missed him on the show, with one follower writing: ‘MasterChef is not the same without you.’
‘It’s sweet week!’ George posted a video on Wednesday of himself making honeycomb as part of a ‘Sweet Week’ series on his Instagram account
Matt, George and Gary Mehigan chose to walk away from the program after Channel 10 refused to give them a significant pay rise.
At the time, George was also facing controversy for underpaying his restaurant staff by nearly $8million between 2011 and 2017.
Back in July, the embattled chef was hit with a $200,000 fine, prompting many viewers calling for him to be dumped from the show.
Negotiations: Matt, George and Gary Mehigan (left) chose to walk away from MasterChef after Channel 10 refused to give them a significant pay rise
In a statement – which avoided mentioning George’s scandal – Channel 10 CEO Paul Anderson claimed the decision to axe the three judges came after months of failed negotiations.
Mr Anderson said: ‘We would like to thank Gary, George and Matt for their contribution over the past 11 years.’
Meanwhile, the ratings for season 12 of MasterChef Australia have been impressive so far, proving that hiring three virtual unknowns – Jock, Melissa and Andy – has paid off handsomely for the network.
Worth the risk! Meanwhile, the ratings for season 12 of MasterChef Australia have been impressive so far, proving that hiring three virtual unknowns – Jock Zonfrillo (left), Melissa Leong (centre) and Andy Allen (right) – has paid off handsomely for the network
The first episode was watched by 1.23 million viewers nationwide, making it the highest-rating reality TV premiere of the year.
It even managed to beat Married At First Sight, which had premiered to an audience of 1.154 million in February.
MasterChef: Back to Win continues Thursday at 7:30pm on Channel 10
Numbers: The first episode was watched by 1.23 million viewers nationwide, making it the highest-rating reality TV premiere of the year. Pictured with guest judge Gordon Ramsey