Masterchef Australia 2025 Contestants

MasterChef Australia 2025 Contestants: Back to Win – Meet the Returning Contestants

The MasterChef Australia kitchen is opening its doors once more, and this time, it’s welcoming back 24 familiar faces we’ve all grown to love. Season 17, also known as MasterChef: Back To Win, brings together the crème de la crème of past contestants, all vying for a second (or even third) shot at glory and the life-changing $250,000 prize.

This impressive lineup spans contestants from Season 1 right through to last year’s Season 16. They’ll be cooking under the watchful eyes of judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling-Yeow, Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Sofia Levin. And if that wasn’t pressure enough, their comeback journey kicks off with none other than Gordon Ramsay as the first guest judge. No soggy bottoms or raw chicken will be tolerated here!

These kitchen veterans have grown immensely since their first appearances, but will their experience be enough when the heat is turned up? We’re already clearing our schedules to find out.

Brief Introduction of the Contestants at the Masterchef Australia 2025

Alana Lowes (Season 3)
Since her time on MasterChef, Alana has lived the ultimate foodie dream. She’s traveled the globe as a food and lifestyle presenter, worked as a travel writer and magazine editor, and even launched her own sauce range. With added roles as a recipe developer, food stylist, and photographer, she’s the definition of kitchen goals.

Andre Ursini (Season 1)
Sixteen years after his MasterChef debut, Andre returns to rediscover the passion that first brought him to our screens. Post-show, he opened Adelaide’s beloved Andre’s Cucina & Polenta Bar, followed by three more successful venues. His culinary and business acumen make him a formidable competitor.

Audra Morrice (Season 4)
A true MasterChef success story, Audra now splits her time between Sydney and Singapore as a TV presenter, cookbook author, and catering business owner. She’s even judged MasterChef Singapore and MasterChef Asia. This time, she’s determined to showcase cultural diversity through her food.

Beau Cook (Season 4)
After MasterChef, Beau became a firefighter—proving you can save lives and cook a killer risotto. His love for food never faded, and he now champions homegrown ingredients and “re-wilding” in his cooking.

Ben Macdonald (Season 6)
Known for his dry wit, Ben returns with over a decade of culinary experience, including running a café, bistro, and fresh pasta business in Auckland. His refined skills promise to deliver standout dishes.

Callum Hann (Season 2 & 12)
Third time’s the charm? Callum’s back for another shot after expanding his Adelaide restaurant empire and growing his cooking school, Sprout. With cookbooks and media gigs under his belt, he’s more prepared than ever.

Cath Collins (Season 15)
After placing fifth in 2023, Cath ditched spreadsheets for spatulas, launching Cath’s Kitchen for intimate cooking classes. Now, she’s back with fewer nerves and a hunger to win.

Darrsh Clarke (Season 16)
Fresh off Season 16, Darrsh has already moved to Melbourne, rooming with last year’s winner, Nat Thaipun. The city’s food scene is his new playground, and he’s soaking up inspiration fast.

Declan Cleary (Season 15)
The construction worker turned seafood whiz has been globetrotting as a brand ambassador while still balancing his trade. His global cooking classes prove he’s more than just a fish expert.

Depinder Chhibber (Season 13)
From contestant to judge on MasterChef India, Depinder has built a culinary empire with her supper club Ghar, celebrating authentic Indian flavors.

Jamie Fleming (Season 6)
After turning his Brisbane bar, Alba, into an award-winning hotspot, Jamie’s latest venture, Spill Wine, continues his success. His dishes aren’t just meals—they’re stories on a plate.

Jimmy Wong (Season 8)
Back without his sister Theresa, Jimmy has swapped the stove for the camera, becoming a sought-after food photographer and content creator.

Laura Sharrad (Season 6 & 12)
Twice a runner-up, Laura’s now a force in Adelaide’s dining scene with restaurants Fugazzi and Nido. This time, she’s gunning for the trophy.

Matt Hopcraft (Season 7)
By day, he’s a dental professor; by night, a pasta maestro. Matt’s back with sharper skills and a promise of more sophisticated plating.

Pete Campbell (Season 13)
The Season 13 runner-up has trained under Peter Gilmore and cooked in NYC pop-ups. Now, he’s here to prove the judges made a costly mistake last time.

Rhiannon Anderson (Season 15)
Her brand Rhiplenish thrives on bold Southeast Asian flavors. Expect fiery chilli, aromatic spices, and her signature finger lime fireworks.

Rue Mupedzi (Season 15)
A dental hygienist by day, Rue’s spent the past year honing her skills through catering and courses. This time, she’s cooking with confidence.

Samira El Khafir (Season 5)
From hairdresser to café owner, cookbook author, and product developer, Samira’s proven that third place was just the beginning.

Sarah Todd (Season 6 & 14)
A celebrity chef in India, Sarah blends French techniques with Indian spices. With restaurants, cookbooks, and a sauce line, she’s Australia’s tastiest export.

Savindri Perera (Season 16)
Since Season 16, Sav has launched her own Sri Lankan catering business and become a culinary ambassador back home.

Snezana Calic (Season 16)
This Serbian-Australian cook brings generations of Balkan wisdom to the kitchen, with plans for a Mediterranean-Serbian cookbook.

Steph De Sousa (Season 11)
The “Frugal Foodie” with 3 million followers has built an empire on budget-friendly cooking, complete with cookbooks and her own TV show.

Theo Loizou (Season 15)
“Bread Boy” is back, balancing his electrical trade with professional kitchen experience. His dream? Opening his own bakery.

Tim Bone (Season 11)
From toastie truck to Ballarat’s sandwich king, Tim’s now a Good Chef, Bad Chef presenter. His comfort food expertise could be his winning edge.