MasterChef Australia series 16

Australian television cooking show

Premiere Date 22 April 2024

Broadcast Network Network Ten

Number of Contestants 22

Judges Andy Allen, Sofia Levin, Jean-Christophe Novelli, Poh Ling Yeow

Notable Changes Melissa Leong left, new judges include Sofia Levin, Jean-Christophe

Novelli, and Poh Ling Yeow

In the season of MasterChef Australia, 22 top home cooks will compete, with the premiere set for Monday, April 22 at 7.30pm on Network Ten and 10 Play. The judging panel will feature new faces: food critic Sofia Levin, Michelin Star chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, and former contestant Poh Ling Yeow, alongside returning judge Andy Allen

The four experienced and skilled judges on MasterChef Australia Season 16 will share their extensive culinary expertise with the 22 passionate contestants. By challenging the contestants in the kitchen, the judges will push them to their limits, inspiring them to produce incredible and memorable dishes. The competition will continue until one contestant is crowned the MasterChef Australia winner 2024, receiving a grand prize of $250,000.

HARRY

Commercial Property, 29, Qld

Follow Harry (@harrybutterfield_)

Harry Butterfield, a Brisbane-based MasterChef Australia Season 16 contestant, is passionate about sustainable seafood and combining fresh Australian produce with Italian, French, Chinese and Japanese cooking techniques. Growing up helping his parents in the kitchen from a young age, Harry embraced cooking around 12 years old. He aspires to the talent and creativity of his food hero Josh Niland.

Harry loves harvesting seafood sustainably, even swimming for hours in shark-infested waters to catch crayfish. He finds it incredibly rewarding to serve his fresh catches to family and friends, and has a huge respect for produce, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Harry aims to become this season’s resident seafood guru, showcasing his skills with hearty European techniques and Asian flavors.

JAMES

Primary School Teacher, 38, WA

Follow James (@james_at_holmes)

James, a teacher from Australia, has two kids – Benji (7) and Goldie (3). Being a parent changed how he sees things. James wants to show his kids and students that you can take on challenges without fear.

A friend noticed that James is very calm and focused when cooking, even when cooking for many people. This made James decide to try his luck on MasterChef Australia.

James dreams of opening a café by the water in South Yunderup, near Perth. He wants to make it a foodie place that uses fresh local ingredients from the area.

GILLIAN

Lettering Artist, 31, NSW

Follow Gillian (@gilldinh)

Gill Dinh, a MasterChef Australia Season 16 contestant, has been deeply influenced by her family’s diverse culinary backgrounds.

Her mother Doreen and late grandmother Nonna Lina taught her to use food as a way to express love, while her late father Tommy instilled in her the importance of intuition, trusting her palate, and balancing flavors and textures when cooking with care.Growing up in a household that embraced both Italian and Vietnamese cuisines, Gill was exposed to a wide range of flavors from a young age.

She draws inspiration from renowned chefs like Luke Nguyen, Josh Niland, Dan Hong, Kylie Kwong, and Marco Pierre White.Gill promises to bring big flavors and beautifully presented dishes to the MasterChef kitchen, but warns that there may also be some mess and stress as she races against the clock to beat her competitors.

ALEX

Sales Representative, 27, WA