TIPSLIFEHACKS

The confetti has settled, Laura Sharrad has claimed her well-deserved victory, and MasterChef Australia: Back To Win has officially wrapped. But before we say goodbye to this unforgettable season, we’ve gone straight to the source – the judges themselves – to hear their reflections on the last 16 weeks of culinary chaos, incredible dishes, and heartwarming moments.

A Season Like No Other

This season of MasterChef was unique, bringing back fan favourites to battle it out for the ultimate title. The returnees, seasoned by years of experience (and some heartbreaking defeats!), brought a new level of skill, determination, and emotional depth to the competition. Judges Melissa Leong, Andy Allen, and George Calombaris were consistently impressed – and occasionally challenged – by the contestants’ evolution.

“It was a beautiful thing to witness,” says Melissa Leong. “These cooks had already been through the MasterChef experience, so they knew what to expect. But what was truly remarkable was how they used those past experiences to grow, to learn, and to push themselves beyond what they thought was possible. The vulnerability they showed was incredible.”

Andy Allen echoes this sentiment, highlighting the increased pressure and the stakes involved. “Coming back to MasterChef isn’t easy. These cooks had something to prove, not just to us, but to themselves. The level of skill was phenomenal, and the creativity was off the charts. Every week felt like a celebration of Australian food and flavour.”

Laura Sharrad’s Triumph

Laura Sharrad’s victory was a poignant moment, a testament to her resilience and unwavering passion for food. After missing out on the win in 2018, her return was marked by a quiet determination and a stunning ability to consistently deliver exceptional dishes.

“Laura’s journey is one of the most inspiring we’ve seen on MasterChef,” remarks George Calombaris. “She came back with a renewed sense of purpose, and her food spoke volumes. She’s a true artist, and her win is incredibly well-deserved.”

The judges were particularly impressed with Laura’s ability to tell stories through her food, drawing on her Lebanese heritage and her love of seasonal ingredients. Her final dishes, a celebration of her culinary journey, were a fitting culmination of her talent and hard work.

Memorable Moments & Future of MasterChef

Beyond Laura’s victory, the judges reflect on numerous other standout moments throughout the season. From the intense pressure tests to the heartwarming team challenges, Back To Win was packed with unforgettable television.

“There were so many moments that stood out,” says Andy. “The challenges were tough, the contestants were pushing themselves to their limits, and the food was consistently incredible. It’s a season we’ll be talking about for a long time.”

As for the future of MasterChef, the judges remain tight-lipped, but promise more exciting developments to come. “We’re always looking for ways to innovate and push the boundaries of what MasterChef can be,” teases Melissa. “Stay tuned – you won’t be disappointed!”

MasterChef Australia: Back To Win may be over, but the memories – and the delicious food – will linger on. Congratulations to Laura, and thank you to all the contestants for a truly spectacular season.