MasterChef Australia is back for a new season titled "Back to Win," featuring a thrilling twist: past contestants are returning for a second or even third chance to claim the coveted trophy. The competition is already heating up, with 24 returning chefs vying for victory under the watchful eyes of judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin, and Jean-Christophe Novelli. As the stakes rise, contestants face high-pressure challenges that push their culinary skills to the limit. However, not everyone will make it through the grueling competition unscathed.
In the first elimination episode, Sav Perera, a contestant from Season 16, faced a daunting pressure test that involved recreating a caviar-inspired dessert by renowned Dessert Masters star Kirsten Tibballs. Despite her determination, Sav's presentation ultimately fell short of the judges' expectations, leading to her elimination. "I’m not comfortable. I don’t think anyone’s comfortable with pressure tests, but some people take to them a bit better. But I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – it doesn’t matter what the challenge is. I don’t give up," Sav expressed, underscoring her resilient spirit.
Taking to Instagram after her departure, the 31-year-old reflected on her journey, stating, "The funny thing about the @masterchefau kitchen is that even when you don’t want to call the curtain, your body and mind will remind you that sometimes, you just need to walk away. Was I going to exit giving up? No way – the one thing I’ve not done in this kitchen is give up on myself." Sav emphasized her pride in her culinary journey, saying, "As chaotic as that was, there really is no shame I have going home on a @kirstentibballs dessert. It was an honour to have a chance to attempt this incredible recipe."
Meanwhile, Cath Collins, a 54-year-old contestant from Season 15, also bid farewell to the MasterChef kitchen in the first elimination episode. Cath faced a tough critique for her Japanese-inspired dish, which suffered from a burnt aftertaste due to mishandled mushrooms on the grill. "I was so ready, even more than last time, to just smash this and give it everything, to learn and hang out with the MasterChef fam, but it just wasn’t meant to be, and it really was very, very difficult to take," she lamented in an interview with Ten.
Cath took to Instagram to express her disappointment: "Devastated that I have gone out on a dish that I love…cooking at home is so much easier with a glass of wine in my hand. Proud that I was brave and went back to MasterChef knowing how hard it was going to be." She expressed gratitude for the friendships formed during her time on the show, saying, "Grateful for meeting the MasterChef legends that I now call family…good luck everyone, I can’t wait to see what you do."
In an emotional turn of events, Pete Campbell, a contestant from Season 13, had to withdraw from the competition due to a shocking diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma. The 40-year-old, who had previously come in second place during his season, shared his experience with Woman’s Day, revealing that he was completely taken aback by the diagnosis. "The diagnosis was a complete shock. Given I had no other symptoms and felt completely healthy, I asked (kinda begged) the doctor if I could start treatment after the competition," he recounted. However, the severity of his condition quickly became clear, prompting him to prioritize his health.
Judge Andy Allen announced Pete's departure during the show, citing "personal reasons," which left fans and fellow contestants heartbroken. On Instagram, Pete confirmed the news, stating, "Didn’t even get to cook for the judges! But you know what they say… if you have cancer you should go get chemo." He expressed gratitude for the support he received from fans and friends, saying, "A massive thank you to everyone messaging and checking in, you’re all so nice X."
As the competition continues, the remaining contestants are feeling the pressure as they navigate the challenges ahead. The stakes are high, with each challenge pushing them to showcase their culinary prowess while also dealing with the emotional weight of their fellow contestants' departures. The atmosphere in the MasterChef kitchen is charged with excitement and anxiety, as everyone strives to prove themselves worthy of the title.
Fans of the show are closely following the journey of these returning chefs, eager to see who will rise to the occasion and who will falter under the pressure. With such a diverse group of talented cooks, the competition is bound to be fierce, and every episode promises to deliver unexpected twists and turns.
As the show progresses, viewers are left wondering who will ultimately take home the MasterChef crown. The combination of returning contestants, high-stakes challenges, and the emotional narratives surrounding each chef make this season a must-watch for fans. With each passing episode, the excitement builds, and the culinary drama unfolds in ways that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
In summary, MasterChef Australia 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable season filled with passion, talent, and resilience. As contestants navigate the challenges and personal struggles, fans are reminded of the power of food to bring people together and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Who will rise to the challenge and claim the coveted title? Only time will tell as the competition heats up!
