Reality TV fans will already know that one of the I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Australia 2026 cast clues teased a MasterChef connection. However, that familiar face might not be a former contestant at all, but instead three of the show’s ex-judges: Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris.
An insider told New Idea the trio of celebrity chefs were invited onto the show as a way to rebuild their relationship with Network Ten, as they all left MasterChef Australia in 2019 when they failed to reach contract negotiations.
“It’s been positioned as a reset,” the source said. “A chance to reintroduce themselves to audiences in a new light and reconnect with the network.”
The insider stated that the jungle invitation was well received by Matt, Gary, and George.
“There’s genuine interest but also a lot to weigh up. It’s a very exposing show, and they’re all at different stages of life and career.”
They added that one of the former judges accepted the offer, but — ahead of the premiere — Network 10 is doing all they can to keep their identity under wraps as they don’t want to spook the current MasterChef Australia judges.
“They don’t want it to look like a stunt or a takeover bid,” a source said. “This is about rebuilding relationships, not rewriting history.”
Fans react to Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan’s potential return to reality TV
The idea of the former trio of MasterChef Australia judges appearing on I’m a Celebrity Australia 2026 has been met with mixed reactions from fans.
“I reckon we all got excited before feeling the disappointment. Hopefully this will serve as a prelude before stepping back into MCAU (although I do love the current set of judges),” one person wrote on Reddit.
Another was vocal about wanting them back on the MasterChef Australia judging panel.
“Wish they’d come back to MCAU, I might even watch it again then,” another person wrote.
However, others weren’t as enthusiastic.
“Nope, no thx,” a Redditor wrote, with another perusing: “that won’t end well for them.”
I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Australia 2026 premieres on January 18, 2026.
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