MasterChef shake-up sparks talk fan-favourite judge quits show
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If you’re a fan of MasterChef Australia—and let’s be honest, who among us hasn’t spent a chilly winter evening glued to the telly, drooling over a perfectly plated pavlova or a sizzling lamb cutlet—then you might want to brace yourself for some big news.
Rumour has it that one of the show’s most loved judges could be hanging up her apron and stepping away from the judging panel in a move that’s sure to shake up the kitchen!
Poh Ling Yeow, who first won our hearts as a contestant back in the very first season of MasterChef in 2009, has become a household name thanks to her warmth, creativity, and infectious enthusiasm for all things food.
After returning as a judge last year, she joined the likes of Jean-Christophe Novelli, Sofia Levin, and Andy Allen, bringing a fresh perspective and a dash of her signature flair to the show.
But now, whispers from behind the scenes suggest that Poh might be ready to say goodbye to her judging duties at the end of the current season.
According to insiders, Channel 10 executives are already eyeing a familiar face to fill her spot: none other than Julie Goodwin, the original MasterChef winner who famously beat Poh to the title in 2009.
'Julie would be a fantastic judge. Fans love her,' a source told New Idea.
'While no one wants to see Poh leave, everyone would welcome Julie back with open arms.'
Julie’s journey with MasterChef has been nothing short of remarkable. After her victory in the inaugural season, she returned to the show in 2022 and even stepped in as a guest judge in 2023.
It’s said that she relished the opportunity to guide and inspire contestants from the other side of the bench, and she’d be keen to take on the role full-time.
So, what’s behind Poh’s possible departure? In her own words, judging hasn’t always come naturally.
Poh has openly admitted that she sometimes misses the thrill and chaos of being a contestant, where every day brings a new challenge and a fresh adrenaline rush.
'I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but I love the chaos (of being a contestant), and there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as just having days on end where you do not know what’s going to happen,' she shared, reflecting on her time competing in both 2009 and 2020.
She’s also confessed to feeling a bit out of her depth as a judge, saying, 'I’m still feeling so in the deep end, to be honest. It is so difficult. I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn’t quite realise just how hard it was gonna be.'
Poh’s humility and honesty have always been part of her charm, and it’s clear that her heart still beats for the excitement of the competition floor.
Of course, MasterChef has always been about more than just food—it’s about passion, resilience, and the joy of sharing a meal with others.
Whether Poh stays or goes, her impact on the show and its fans is undeniable.
And if Julie Goodwin does return as a judge, it would be a full-circle moment for the series, bringing together two of its most iconic figures in a new way.
For those of us who have followed MasterChef from the very beginning, these changes are a reminder of how the show continues to evolve, keeping things fresh and exciting for viewers of all ages.
It’s also a testament to the enduring appeal of seeing everyday Aussies chase their culinary dreams—and the judges who help guide them along the way.
Would you be sad to see Poh leave the judging panel? Are you excited about the possibility of Julie Goodwin stepping in? Or do you have your own dream judge in mind? We’d love to hear your thoughts and memories of your favourite MasterChef moments—share them in the comments below.
Read more: 'Oh, that's weird': MasterChef finalist shares her experience despite being 'too busy' during the show
Rumour has it that one of the show’s most loved judges could be hanging up her apron and stepping away from the judging panel in a move that’s sure to shake up the kitchen!
Poh Ling Yeow, who first won our hearts as a contestant back in the very first season of MasterChef in 2009, has become a household name thanks to her warmth, creativity, and infectious enthusiasm for all things food.
After returning as a judge last year, she joined the likes of Jean-Christophe Novelli, Sofia Levin, and Andy Allen, bringing a fresh perspective and a dash of her signature flair to the show.
But now, whispers from behind the scenes suggest that Poh might be ready to say goodbye to her judging duties at the end of the current season.
A MasterChef Australia judge is reportedly set to leave the show after the current season, with rumours of a replacement circulating. Credit: @pohlingyeow / Instagram
According to insiders, Channel 10 executives are already eyeing a familiar face to fill her spot: none other than Julie Goodwin, the original MasterChef winner who famously beat Poh to the title in 2009.
'Julie would be a fantastic judge. Fans love her,' a source told New Idea.
'While no one wants to see Poh leave, everyone would welcome Julie back with open arms.'
Julie’s journey with MasterChef has been nothing short of remarkable. After her victory in the inaugural season, she returned to the show in 2022 and even stepped in as a guest judge in 2023.
It’s said that she relished the opportunity to guide and inspire contestants from the other side of the bench, and she’d be keen to take on the role full-time.
So, what’s behind Poh’s possible departure? In her own words, judging hasn’t always come naturally.
Poh has openly admitted that she sometimes misses the thrill and chaos of being a contestant, where every day brings a new challenge and a fresh adrenaline rush.
'I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but I love the chaos (of being a contestant), and there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as just having days on end where you do not know what’s going to happen,' she shared, reflecting on her time competing in both 2009 and 2020.
Poh’s humility and honesty have always been part of her charm, and it’s clear that her heart still beats for the excitement of the competition floor.
Of course, MasterChef has always been about more than just food—it’s about passion, resilience, and the joy of sharing a meal with others.
Whether Poh stays or goes, her impact on the show and its fans is undeniable.
And if Julie Goodwin does return as a judge, it would be a full-circle moment for the series, bringing together two of its most iconic figures in a new way.
It’s also a testament to the enduring appeal of seeing everyday Aussies chase their culinary dreams—and the judges who help guide them along the way.
Read more: 'Oh, that's weird': MasterChef finalist shares her experience despite being 'too busy' during the show
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