MasterChef Australia Back to Win 2025: Fan-favourite contestants returning to compete again

Alana has now taken on roles as a recipe developer, food stylist, and photographer, even launching her own sauce range. She made her debut on Season 3 of MasterChef Australia, which propelled her into the culinary world and opened doors to a global career. Since then, she has established herself as a food, travel, and lifestyle television presenter, travel writer, and magazine editor.

3. Audra Morrice (Season 4, placed 3rd)

Audra, a sought-after television presenter, cookbook author, and catering business owner, now divides her time between Sydney and Singapore. She currently serves as a judge on MasterChef Singapore and was previously on the judging panel for MasterChef Asia. Returning to the MasterChef Australia kitchen, she is eager to showcase diversity and culture through her culinary creations.

4. Ben Macdonald (Season 6, placed 6th)

Returning for MasterChef Australia: Back to Win, Ben Macdonald brings back his signature dry humor and unwavering determination. Over the past 11 years since his first appearance on the show, he has expanded his culinary expertise by running a café, a bistro, and a fresh pasta delivery business in Auckland, New Zealand.

5. Beau Cook (Season 4, placed 8th)

After his previous time in the MasterChef Australia kitchen, Beau pursued his dream career as a firefighter, but his passion for cooking remained strong. Continuing to hone his culinary skills, he draws inspiration from Jamie Oliver and specializes in creating simple yet well-crafted dishes, often using ingredients from his own garden.

6. Darrsh Clarke (Season 16, placed 6th)

Fresh off Season 16, Darrsh Clarke is returning for another shot at the title. He recently moved from Perth to Melbourne to pursue his culinary dreams and now shares a home with MasterChef Australia 2024 winner Nat Thaipun and fellow contestant David Tan.

7. Callum Hann (Seasons two and 12)

Since his time on the show, he has expanded his culinary ventures by opening two new restaurants, Olive and Roma, in Adelaide’s CBD, alongside Lou’s Place in the Barossa Valley. His cooking school, Sprout, has also continued to grow.

8. Cath Collins (Season 15, placed 5th)

After finishing fifth in 2023, Cath is back in the competition aiming to enjoy the experience even more this time. Since her last stint, she has fully embraced change, making food the center of her life and pursuing her culinary passion wholeheartedly.

9. Declan Cleary (Season 15, placed 3rd)

Determined to showcase greater depth and creativity, Declan has worked hard to expand his culinary skills. While continuing to run his building business, he has also taken on the role of a global brand ambassador, traveling, conducting cooking demonstrations, and creating content.

10. Depinder Chhibber (Season 13, placed 8th)

Since her last stint on MasterChef Australia, Depinder launched Ghar, a supper club offering an authentic Indian home dining experience. In 2023, she also appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef India. Known for her innovative take on Indian cuisine and her calm presence in the kitchen, she continues to draw inspiration from the talented cooks in her family.

11. Jamie Fleming (Season 6, placed 4th)

Jamie successfully ran the award-winning Alba Bar & Deli in Brisbane for five years before opening Spill Wine in Maleny in 2024. Now, he’s making his return to the competition after first competing in Season 6.

12. Jimmy Wong (Season 8, placed 19th)

Previously competing alongside his sister Theresa, Jimmy returns to MasterChef solo this time. Since his first appearance, he has built a career as a food photographer, content creator, and brand ambassador.

13. Matt Hopcraft (Season 7, placed 6th)

Since his time on MasterChef, Matt has continued his dentistry career and is now an associate professor at Melbourne University and a respected industry expert. Alongside his academic work, he has also honed his pasta-making skills by working in various kitchens.

14. Laura Sharrad (Season 6, placed 2nd; Season 12, placed 2nd)

Having twice finished as runner-up, Laura is more determined than ever to claim the top spot this season. With years of experience in professional kitchens, she has built an impressive culinary career as the co-owner of Adelaide’s renowned Fugazzi Bar & Dining and the popular pasta bar Nido.

15. Rhiannon Anderson (Season 15, placed 2nd)

Since finishing as the runner-up in 2023, Rhiannon launched her own business, Rhiplenish, and has been hosting cooking demonstrations while collaborating with various brands. She’s now eager to return to the kitchen, bringing her passion for Southeast Asian cuisine and bold, flavorful dishes.

16. Pete Campbell (Season 13, placed 2nd)

After finishing as the runner-up in MasterChef Australia Season 13, Pete wasted no time diving into the culinary world. He worked as a commis chef under Peter Gilmore at Sydney’s Quay, hosted pop-ups in New York, and most recently cooked at Sydney’s Poly. Now, he’s back to prove he can take the top spot.

17. Rue Mupedzi (Season 15, placed 7th)

Rue Mupedzi, a dental hygienist, admits that fear kept her from reaching her full potential in MasterChef Australia Season 15. Determined to make the most of this second chance, she has since worked as a part-time chef for private catering events and completed cooking courses to refine her skills and technique.

18. Samira El Khafir (Season 5, placed 3rd)

Samira, who finished third in MasterChef Australia 2013, used her experience to open a café featuring a modern Middle Eastern menu. Since then, she has authored a cookbook, launched a low-carb product range, and worked as a recipe developer. Before her culinary journey, she was a hairdresser and telecommunications worker, balancing work with raising her young family.

19. Sarah Todd (Season 6, placed 9th; Season 14, placed 2nd)

Since her time on MasterChef Australia, Sarah has built a successful career as an international chef, restaurateur, author, TV host, and business owner. Known for blending French techniques with Indian flavors, her dishes are both distinctive and memorable. In 2023, her contributions to the food industry were honored by India’s Prime M(inister.

20. Sav Perera (Season 16, placed 3rd)

After finishing third last season, Sav is eager to make the most of her second chance. Since leaving her banking career, she has launched her own business and now works as a private chef and event caterer.

21. Snezana Calic (Season 16, placed 15th)

Snezana remains dedicated to showcasing Serbian cuisine, focusing on heartfelt, flavorful dishes. Since last season, the mother of two and former finance professional has worked in restaurants, taught pop-up cooking classes, created food content, and started writing a cookbook on Mediterranean and Serbian recipes.

Steph de Sousa (Season 11, placed 12th)

Steph de Sousa, widely recognized as the ‘Frugal Foodie,’ has built a strong following of nearly three million fans. She is celebrated for her quick, budget-friendly, and family-friendly recipes. Since finishing twelfth in Season 11, she has authored two cookbooks, hosted her own TV series, and taken on ambassador roles.

Theo Loizou (Season 15, placed 4th)

After securing fourth place in Season 15, Theo is more determined than ever to claim the title. Nicknamed the ‘Bread Boy’ during his season, he is eager to showcase his Greek heritage and demonstrate his culinary growth. While still working as an electrician, Theo has been gaining valuable restaurant experience and remains committed to his dream of opening his own bakery.

Tim Bone (Previous season & place: Season 11, placed 4th)

After finishing fourth in Season 11, Ballarat’s Tim Bone turned his passion into a thriving business with Tim’s Toasties, a mobile gourmet toasted sandwich venture highlighting regional ingredients. His success led to the opening of his own storefront this year. Now a host on Good Chef, Bad Chef, Tim returns to the MasterChef Australia kitchen with fresh experience and a renewed drive.