*Ting, ting, ting* MasterCherf Australia 2025 is served!
It’s time to sharpen your knives and whip out the dry ice, because MasterChef Australia is returning as another Back To Win season, and we can’t wait to see what marvellous kitchen creations the contestants will be cooking up this year.
In case you weren’t across the Back to Win concept: 24 of our fave former contestants will be putting their aprons back on for what is set to be a steaming hot competition! So yep, you might spot some familiar faces among the cast.
As in previous seasons, to win the title and top prize of a whopping $250k, the home chefs have to win over the judges’ taste buds with their masterful flavours and a-grade techniques.
But now, we’re ready to set our grills to sizzle as we gear up for season 17 of MasterChef Australia—let’s meet the contestants, shall we?
masterchef australia 2025 contestants...
01
Alana Lowes, QLD (Season 3)
After Alana first landed in season 3, going on to travel all around the globe as a TV presenter, travel writer, and magazine editor.
02
Andre Ursini, SA (Season 1)
Season one OG Andre is now a successful restaurateur in Adelaide, and he’s hoping that stepping back into the MasterChef kitchen will continue to motivate his cullinary dreams.
03
Audra Morrice, NSW (Season 4)
Audra debuted in 2012 for season 4, and has worked her way all the up, currently sitting as a judge on MasterChef Singapore!
04
Beau Cook, Vic (Season 4)
Beau first appeared for season 4, and has since taken up his dream job of working as a firefighter, but still remains very passionate about cooking.
05
Ben MacDonald, NZ (Season 6)
Ben was first cooking in the comp back in season 6, and has experience running a cafe, a bistro, and a fresh pasta delivery biz in Auckland.
06
Callum Hann, SA (Season 2, Season 12)
Callum certainly knows his way around the MasterChef kitchen after first stepping through the door for season 2, and then later in season 12. Callum has since opened two restaurants, Olive and Roma in Adelaide’s CBD, and runs his culinary school, Sprout.
07
Cath Collins, Vic (Season 15)
After snagging 5th place in season 15, Cath has been running her own food biz, Cath’s Kitchen, where she teaches in cooking classes.
08
Darrsh Clarke, WA
Having represented Western Australia on both the basketball and volleyball court over the years, Darrsh Clarke is revisiting the kitchen, and bringing his competitive spirit with him.
09
Depinder Chhibber, NSW (Season 13)
Depinder made her MasterChef debut on season 13, and has since been hard at work launching a Supper Club called Ghar, which translates to ‘home’ in Hindi.
10
Jamie Fleming, Qld (Season 6)
Jamie’s time in the MasterChef kitchen back in season 6 pushed him to launch his own venue, resulting in the births of restaurants Alba Bar & Deli in Brisbane and Spill Wine in Maleny.
11
Jimmy Wong, NSW (Season 8)
Jimmy first competed in season 8, and has been working as a food photographer since finishing the season in 19th place.
12
Laura Sharrad, SA (Season 6, Season 12)
After finishing as a runner up in both season 6 and season 12, Laura has been working in multiple kitchens and co-owning restaurants in Adelaide.
13
Matt Hopcraft, Vic (Season 7)
Matt continued his career working in dentistry after leaving season 7, and since has become an Associate Professor at Melbourne University.
14
Pete Campbell, NSW (Season 13)
The former tattoo artist came 2nd in 2021 for season 13. Pete‘s hosted pop-ups in New York City and has worked in Sydney’s Poly in Surry Hills.
15
Rhiannon Anderson, Qld (Season 15)
Rhiannon has also branched out to start her own business, Rhiplenish, where she runs cooking demonstrations and gives advice on brand work.
16
Rue Mupedzi, WA (Season 15)
Another, dental hygienist, Rue says that she is “determined not to squander this second chance to come back” and “do it right” for this 2025 season.
17
Samira El Khafir, Vic, (Season 5)
Samira first landed on our screens in season 5, where she placed third. The former telecommunications worker and trained hairdresser now has a published cookbook.
18
Sarah Todd, Vic (Season 6, Season 14)
Sarah first appeared in 6, and then later in 14, and continues her career today as a chef, restauranteur, author, TV host, and business owner.
19
Savindri Perera, SA (Season 16)
Savindri is another season 16 kitchen whiz, receiving third in her season last year. Previously working as a banking consultant, she currently works as a private chef.
20
Snezana Calic, Vic (Season 16)
Snezana proudly represents her Serbian heritage through her cooking, and is currently working on a cookbook dedicated to Mediterranean and Serbian cuisine.
21
Steph De Sousa, NSW (Season 11)
Steph was one of the show’s most cheerful contestants, and is also known for her incredible, yet quick recipes!
22
Theo Loizou, Vic, (Season 15)
Theo finished in fourth place in season 15 and currently works as an electrician, but is determined to take out the competition.
23
Tim Bone, Vic (Season 11)
Tim placed fourth in season 11 and has since created ‘Tim’s Toasties’, a mobile gourmet toasted sandwich business.
24
Declan Cleary, NSW (Season 15)
Declan is still working on growing his building business, whilst he has also been focused on traveling and presenting his culinary skillset at the same time.
When & Where Can I Watch MasterChef Australia S17?
While we don’t know exactly when these familiar faces will be back on our screens cooking up a storm, MasterChef Australia: Back To Win will likely premiere in around late April or early May, when referring to previous season’s air dates.
Upon airing, it will be available to watch on Channel 10 and 10Play.
Check back here for updates.
