Former MasterChef Australia stars Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris, and Matt Preston have been experiencing a resurgence in their international careers as they make a television comeback. The trio, who gained fame as the original judges on Channel 10’s popular cooking show, have developed a significant fan base in India. They have hosted dinners and masterclasses in three cities in the region, as well as filming two episodes of the TV series Ultimate Homechef of India. Billboards featuring Mehigan, Calombaris, and Preston have even been erected around India, and their manager Justine May has confirmed that they will be returning to India in August.
The judges have been successful in hosting events both in India and in Australia. They recently joined forces for the “Friends of George” event at Hotel Sorrento, during which a portion of the proceeds was donated to Bowel Cancer Australia. The trio also presented a series of dinners in Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi last year, in addition to planning more events in association with the Conish company, a culinary business based in India. Despite leaving MasterChef in 2019, Mehigan, Preston, and Calombaris continue to be highly regarded in the culinary world, with a strong following in India.
In a leaked Zoom conversation between Mehigan, Preston, and Calombaris, fans speculated that the trio would be returning to television for a new show. Calombaris shared the post, hinting at a “special project” that involved “serious food talk” but also lots of fun. The three judges hosted MasterChef for a decade before their departure in 2019. While it was initially reported that their exit was due to financial disagreements, Mehigan clarified on Instagram that their decision to leave was motivated by a desire to explore their creativity and have more free time, rather than monetary concerns.
The trio’s return to the limelight includes upcoming events in Australia, such as the Friends of George dinner at Hotel Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula, where guest chefs will prepare dishes for attendees. Tickets for the event will support Bowel Cancer Australia, a cause close to Calombaris’s heart. Additionally, the three judges have planned further collaborations with the Conish company in India, where they have a significant following. The trio’s continued success and popularity with audiences both locally and internationally indicate that their influence in the culinary world remains strong.
Calombaris expressed his enthusiasm for reuniting with Mehigan and Preston, stating that it is “nice to have the gang back together.” The trio’s collective ventures and ongoing projects suggest that their partnership is as strong as ever, despite the end of their run on MasterChef. Their reputation in the culinary industry, particularly in India, has allowed them to continue hosting events, dinners, and TV appearances that showcase their expertise and draw in eager audiences. As they embark on this new chapter in their careers, Mehigan, Preston, and Calombaris are poised to further solidify their status as culinary icons on a global scale.
