MasterChef Australia is jam-packed with celebrity guest judges for 2026, but perhaps one of the biggest superstars among them is Robert Irwin, who stepped into the kitchen for the Aussie Native Ingredients Elimination Challenge.
And reportedly, he did so for a sweet pay packet. According to a Woman’s Day insider, Robert was paid between $50,000 to $75,000 for just one day of filming the show. Apparently, Network 10 is scrambling to keep Robert on the network “at all costs” since I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! was axed.
“They did a deal for him to do a MasterChef appearance to keep him at 10,” an industry insider claimed.
The impressive fee is a steep climb from what Meghan Markle reportedly received for her MasterChef appearance, as Network 10 confirmed the Duchess of Sussex was not paid anything.
With excitement surrounding Robert’s MasterChef debut at an all-time high, judge Poh Ling Yeow previously revealed what the wildlife warrior was like on set, as one of the guest judges she was most excited about.
“Robert Irwin was really lovely,” she told Chattr. “He’s just everything you want him to be.”
“He’s got these different sides to him,” she continued. “So he’s got the sort of Australia zoo side, which is very much, like his dad. And it’s just that, you know, complete pro when it comes to animals and wildlife and environment. And then there’s the sort of more composed, very professional side to him.”
And then there’s, now, we sing this dance aside to him as well, but he’s just such a crazy ball of energy… he’s just unstoppable. He really is like the Energizer bunny.”
Poh added that while Robert’s infectious energy lit up the set, she was equally impressed by how naturally he stepped into the role of guest judge.
“What was very scary was how quickly he just slipped into food critic mode and did it incredibly well. He’s just a consummate professional. He’s amazing.”
Robert Irwin announced as 2026 Logie Awards host
Robert Irwin has been announced as the host of the 2026 Logie Awards, which will take place at The Star Sydney on Sunday, August 16.
The event is hosted by Channel 7, and the announcement comes shortly after it was confirmed that Network 10 had axed I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here Australia, ending Robert’s tenure as a host on the show.
Robert Irwin shared his excitement about the Logies gig in a statement released by Channel 7.
“Hosting the TV WEEK Logie Awards is one of the most exciting things I’ve been asked to do,” he says. “Throughout my life, my goal has been to spread an important message not only through our work at Australia Zoo, but also on the screen,” he said.
“I grew up watching the Logies with my family, so this is certainly an honour. Australian television has given so much to so many people. To be part of the biggest night in Aussie TV is something I don’t take lightly. I cannot wait!”
Robert Irwin’s MasterChef Australia episode airs on June 10 on Channel 10 and 10Play.
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