MasterChef Australia is set to resume filming at the end of this year, and everyone is waiting with bated breath to see who will replace the late Jock Zonfrillo, who tragically passed away in April at the age of 46.
Rumours have been running rampant this week that iconic British chef Jamie Oliver could be up for the job, which would seen him join judges Melissa Leong and Andy Allen. It has been reported a A$2 million ($2.17 million) deal is in talks.
Oliver added fuel to the fire when he announced he’d be coming to the land Downunder on November 11 to host an in-conversation event with Leong at the Sydney Opera House. The appearance is set to coincide with filming, which usually starts in November and runs into the new year at the Melbourne Showgrounds.
However, news.com.au reports that Oliver, 48, who has featured on the cooking show multiple times as a guest judge, will not be taking Zonfrillo’s place.
An announcement is expected to be made at Channel 10′s ‘Upfronts’ event, which is set to happen in the next few months.