MasterChef Australia judge Andy Allen has disclosed a significant rule modification that has fundamentally altered the cooking competition. In a recent interview, the 37-year-old reflected on the show's initial seasons when contestants resided together in a communal house reminiscent of the Big Brother format.
Andy Allen's Experience as a Contestant
Andy, who triumphed in the 2012 season, stated that current competitors would struggle with the stringent regulations he endured. 'We talk about it all the time, because it’s very different these days,' he told Pedestrian. He noted that his season was the final one to employ the 'Big Brother' style of living.
The chef, who became a judge on MasterChef Australia in 2020, recalled the numerous rules that cast members had to follow. The former electrician turned restaurateur mentioned that contestants were prohibited from watching television or using their phones inside the house.
'To give you a bit of an insight, when we say you live with the other contestants, we’re talking 24 people that range from the age of around 19 through to the mid-50s,' he explained. 'Males, females, all walks of life. Back then it was a lot more strict. So, we literally went from the house to the set and we were bound in those four walls. We weren’t allowed to go out and have dinners.'
Impact of the Rules
Andy said that these rules allowed contestants to fully immerse themselves in the experience and concentrate their efforts on the competition. 'I don’t think people would cope these days,' he remarked, adding that it brought out the best in the cast and 'sometimes the worst.' He added, 'Now, it is really up to you how much you want to dip your toe in.'
Currently, cast members live in an apartment block during filming, with two competitors sharing a room. Producer Marty Benson confirmed to the publication that contestants can return home on weekends. He also noted that competitors hold 'dinner parties' for practice and have access to their phones.
Andy Allen's Journey
Andy was just 23 when he won the show in 2012, defeating Julia Taylor in the final, with Audra Morrice taking third place. Despite previously admitting he was the 'weakest cook' among his MasterChef group, he has become one of the show's most successful graduates.
Beyond winning the $250,000 prize and becoming head chef at Three Blue Ducks, Andy has authored a book and launched his own YouTube channel. The Three Blue Ducks restaurant brand, which he co-owns, now has five locations, including Tullamarine in Melbourne, Byron Bay, Rosebery in Sydney, and two eateries in regional NSW — Nimbo and Bellingen.
In November, Andy announced that he and his wife, Alex, were expecting their first child. The couple, who married in 2022, welcomed a son named Jude Jackson last month.
