Everything We Know About MasterChef Australia 2026
Photo: Courtesy of Channel 10.
It's time to grab an apron, because MasterChef Australia is back for a delicious new season in 2026. The beloved cooking competition returns for Season 18, featuring 24 amateur cooks fighting for the grand prize. It has been a great launching pad for many Aussie chefs, including Laura Sharrad, Adam Liaw and Sarah Todd. Plus, two ex-contestants now sit on the judging table — Poh Ling-Yeow and Andy Allen.
It's not just the food we're interested in, either. Every year, judges Sofia Levin and Ling-Yeow turn up in the most immaculate outfits. Usually championing Aussie designers, our eyes always go directly to these two.
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Below, we've rounded up everything we know about MasterChef Australia 2026, including when it hits our screens, if there's a trailer and which special celebrity guests will be making an appearance.
When does MasterChef Australia 2026 premiere?
MasterChef Australia 2026 premieres on Sunday, 19 April on Channel 10.
Is there a trailer?
Yes, and it's all about the star power coming to the MasterChef Australia kitchen this year. From Robert Irwin to Maggie Beer, watch below to see who will be making a special appearance.
Who are the MasterChef Australia judges?
The main MasterChef Australia judges are Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli.
Who is in the MasterChef Australia 2026 cast?
The MasterChef Australia 2026 contestants haven't been revealed yet, but we can expect 24 of the top amateur cooks from around Australia to be ready to fight for the trophy.
Will there be any special MasterChef Australia guest cameos?
This year, there will be many special celebrity guests appearing on MasterChef Australia 2026. This includes Robert Irwin, Jimmy and Jane Barnes, Maggie Beer, Adriano Zumbo, Rick Stein, Curtis Stone, DimSimLim, Andy Cooks, Victoria Minell and Lily Huynh.
What is the MasterChef Australia prize?
In the past, MasterChef Australia winners have walked away with $250,000. There are also sometimes extra prizes throughout the season, for example, in 2024, Nat Thaipun won the only immunity pin. With that came a trip to London to work with Jamie Oliver in his restaurant. When she won the grand prize, she pocketed $250,000 and a residency at Crowne Melbourne's Alumni restaurant.
We'll keep updating this article with more information about MasterChef Australia 2026 as it emerges, so bookmark this page for later.
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