One of the worst kept secrets in the world of MasterChef has today been confirmed. Production company Shine Australia are moving MasterChef Australia to Melbourne (though the claim that Melbourne is the home of Australian food culture is sure to get up some foodie’s noses). From the press release:
After four incredible seasons based in Sydney, MasterChef Australia is spreading its culinary wings and heading south to the home of Australian food culture – Melbourne.
The recent sale of the Alexandria kitchen in Sydney sparked a search for a new location and an exciting opportunity to find a new home for the much-loved cooking show. Network Ten and Shine Australia are pleased to confirm that season five of MasterChef Australia will be filmed at the Melbourne Showgrounds, starting in early 2013.
Network Ten Chief Programming Officer, David Mott, said moving production of MasterChef Australia to Melbourne would lead to a fresh look for one of the most powerful and beloved brands on Australian television. “This is an exciting move for MasterChef Australia’s viewers and sponsors,” Mr Mott said. “What better way to explore fresh, new cuisines than to head to what is arguably Australia’s food capital.”
“The Melbourne Showgrounds offers an exciting opportunity to create a new environment for MasterChef Australia, with a new kitchen, new challenges and new locations in Victoria’s acclaimed food and wine regions. We figure it is way past time we let our contestants loose in Melbourne. We can’t wait for MasterChef Australia 2013.”
Shine Australia Chief Executive, Mark Fennessy, said: “Since 2009, MasterChef Australia has enjoyed a wonderfully successful run in NSW. Filming in Melbourne represents an exciting new chapter for the world’s most popular cooking show.” Applications for series five of MasterChef Australia are now open at www.masterchef.com.au.