Who is returning to the MasterChef Australia Back to Win 2025 Season 17? This season, former contestants from Seasons 1 to 16 are back to prove they have what it takes to claim the title. Expect intense challenges, impressive culinary skills, and a fierce battle for the trophy.
That’s right, 24 fan-favorite contestants are stepping back into the MasterChef Australia kitchen for another shot at the coveted title and a grand prize of $250,000.
This season brings together a mix of podium finishers, viral social media stars, and culinary masters who are ready to showcase their evolved skills after time away from the competition.
To claim the ultimate prize, these talented chefs must impress the esteemed judging panel: Andy Allen, Poh Ling-Yeow, Jean Christophe Novelli, and Sofia Levin.
With their expert guidance and a few surprise guest appearances Season 17 promises intense competition, incredible dishes, and high stakes cooking. The full cast of returning contestants for MasterChef Australia 2025 is now revealed.
Who Are the MasterChef Australia Back to Win Contestants Season 17?
Season 17 of MasterChef Australia features returning contestants in a ‘Back to Win’ format. So, who are these chefs aiming for another shot at the title? We’re here to introduce you to the full cast.
Table of Contents
Alana Lowes
Season 3, 3rd Place: Alana Lowes made her mark in MasterChef Australia Season 3, launching a successful career in the food industry. Since then, she has traveled the world as a food and travel TV presenter, writer, and editor. She has also worked as a recipe developer, food stylist, and photographer, and even introduced her own sauce range.
Andre Ursini
Season 1, 7th Place: Sixteen years after his first appearance, Andre Ursini is back to rediscover his passion for cooking. He previously opened Andre’s Cucina & Polenta Bar, which became an Adelaide dining staple for a decade. His restaurant empire now includes Orso, Lost Phoenix Farm, and Villetta Porcini.
Audra Morrice
Season 4, 3rd Place: Audra Morrice splits her time between Sydney and Singapore, balancing roles as a TV presenter, cookbook author, and catering business owner. She also serves as a judge on MasterChef Singapore and MasterChef Asia. Audra aims to bring a diverse cultural influence to her cooking.
Beau Cook
Season 4, 8th Place: Now a firefighter, Beau Cook never lost his love for food. Inspired by Jamie Oliver, he specializes in simple, high-quality dishes made with homegrown ingredients. His ultimate dream is to expand his self-sustaining farm.
Ben Macdonald
Season 6, 6th Place: After competing in MasterChef Australia 11 years ago, Ben Macdonald has run a café, bistro, and fresh pasta delivery business in Auckland, New Zealand. His experience has refined his culinary skills, and he’s ready to impress once more.
Callum Hann
Season 2, 2nd Place; Season 12, 4th Place : A seasoned competitor, Callum Hann is back for his third attempt at the MasterChef Australia title. Now a successful restaurateur, he has opened Olive and Roma in Adelaide’s CBD alongside his Barossa Valley restaurant, Lou’s Place. His cooking school, Sprout, continues to grow.
Cath Collins
Season 15, 5th Place: After finishing fifth in 2023, Cath Collins has fully embraced the culinary world. She returns to the competition with more confidence and a desire to push her creative boundaries.
Darrsh Clarke
Season 16, 6th Place: Recently relocating from Perth to Melbourne, Darrsh Clarke is immersing himself in the thriving culinary scene. He shares a home with MasterChef Australia 2024 winner Nat Thaipun and fellow contestant David Tan, creating powerhouse private dining experiences.
Declan Cleary
Season 15, 3rd Place: A seafood specialist, Declan Cleary has expanded his repertoire since Season 15. While still managing his construction business, he has become a global brand ambassador and frequently conducts cooking demonstrations.
Depinder Chhibber
Season 13, 8th Place: Depinder Chhibber founded Ghar, a supper club offering Indian home dining experiences. She also appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef India in 2023 and aims to inspire her daughters by returning to the MasterChef Australia kitchen.
Jamie Fleming
Season 6, 4th Place: Jamie Fleming turned his MasterChef experience into a career as a restaurateur. He ran the award-winning Alba Bar & Deli in Brisbane for five years before opening Spill Wine in Maleny in 2024.
Jimmy Wong
Season 8, 19th Place: Returning solo after competing alongside his sister in Season 8, Jimmy Wong has established himself as a food photographer, content creator, and brand ambassador.
Laura Sharrad
Season 6, 2nd Place; Season 12, 2nd Place: Twice a runner-up, Laura Sharrad is determined to claim the title this time. She co-owns Fugazzi Bar & Dining and pasta bar Nido in Adelaide, making her a formidable competitor.
Matt Hopcraft
Balancing academia and gastronomy, Matt Hopcraft, Season 7’s 6th place finisher, is back. An associate professor of dentistry at Melbourne University, he’s also dedicated to perfecting his culinary craft.
Matt’s passion for down-to-earth, flavorful cooking, particularly pasta, has only intensified. This season, he aims to demonstrate his enhanced skills and creative vision, leaving behind the sweet for a more savory path.
Pete Campbell
Season 13, 2nd Place: After Season 13, Pete Campbell worked under Peter Gilmore at Quay and hosted pop-ups in New York City. Most recently, he was a chef at Sydney’s Poly restaurant.
Rhiannon Anderson
Season 15, 2nd Place: Specializing in Southeast Asian cuisine, Rhiannon Anderson has launched Rhiplenish, a business offering cooking demonstrations and brand collaborations.
Rue Mupedzi
Season 15, 7th Place: A dental hygienist turned chef, Rue Mupedzi has worked as a private chef and caterer while completing professional cooking courses.
Sarah Todd
Season 6, 9th Place; Season 14, 2nd Place: Internationally recognized chef Sarah Todd blends French and Indian cuisine. In 2023, she was honored by the Indian Prime Minister for her contributions to the food industry and launched the Hot Toddy sauce brand.
Sav Perera
Season 16, 3rd Place: Now a private chef and caterer, Sav Perera has gained a massive following in Sri Lanka, where she champions traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.
Steph de Sousa
Season 11, 12th Place: A social media sensation with 3 million followers, Steph de Sousa—also known as the ‘Frugal Foodie’—specializes in budget-friendly meals and has authored two cookbooks.
Tim Bone
Season 11, 4th Place: Tim Bone founded the Tim’s Toasties food truck, which has grown into a brick-and-mortar store. He also co-hosts Good Chef, Bad Chef.
Snezana Calic
Returning from Season 16, where she placed 15th, Snezana is back with a strong focus on her Serbian culinary heritage. Since her last appearance, she’s gained valuable experience in restaurants, taught pop-up classes, and is developing a cookbook. Expect heartfelt, flavorful dishes that showcase her passion and improved skills.
Samira El Khafir
Season 5’s 3rd place finisher, Samira, returns with a strong culinary resume. Since her time in the competition, she’s launched a café, authored a cookbook, developed products, and worked as a recipe developer, all while specializing in modern Middle Eastern cuisine.
When Does MasterChef Australia Season 17 Air?
While an exact release date has not yet been announced, Channel 10 has confirmed it is “coming soon”. Stay tuned for updates on when these culinary stars will battle it out in the MasterChef Australia kitchen!
Note: Stay connected for more updates on MasterChef Australia Season 17, contestant news, and exclusive interviews.
Pingback: MasterChef Australia 2025 Season 17 Judges & Release Date