It’s back, even if you didn’t want it to be. And it’s kitchenier than ever. My Kitchen Rules is hoping to build on it’s mediocre success of last year to help launch the 2011 program for Channel 7 with 3 episodes weekly, starting next week.

Yes, Pete and Manu are back (although I’m not sure why they need both of them). Venturing initially around Australia to the contestant’s homes with the other participants to taste and judge them on their themed dinner party. I’m hoping it’s a little bit more fun than some of the seriousness of last year – Manu has a wicked sense of humour, and we only saw sparkles. Who knows.

 It’s ‘Come Dine With Me’ meets ‘M*A*S*H’ meets some kind of dodgy home renovation show, all train-wrecked for our enjoyment. It’s not all bad – some of them can cook. What’s brilliant is that some of them think they can, and they find out quickly that they actually can’t. God bless reality TV producers.

In a change from last year, all 12 teams know they are in it against each other, however other surpises are assured. Our contestants are:

NSW
Sammy & Bella (sisters)
Bill & Alex (school mates)

VICTORIA
Kane & Lee (housemates – Kane has already been outed by Manu on radio in Melbourne)
Kelly & Ash (high achievers)

QUEESNLAND
Artie & Johnny (butchers)
Mal & Bec (urban hippies)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Donna & Reade (used-car dealers)
Ann-Marie & Nick (newlyweds)

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Daniela & Stefania (cousins)
Kerry & Holly (mother & daughter)

TASMANIA
James & Melanie (recently married)
Esther & Ali (cops)

I’m yet to meet a fan that likes #MKR over #MasterChef, but it does a good enough job to keep us entertained in the interim.

My Kitchen Rules – 7:30pm Mon/Tue/Wed, Ch7.