The My Kitchen Rules (MKR) 2026 competition has welcomed a fresh batch of gatecrashers, and NSW besties Zoe and Zac are already making their presence felt.
But while the pair are bringing plenty of personality to the comp based on the spicy trailer, Zoe has also found herself weighing in on one of the season’s biggest talking points: Jane and Shane.
The 30-year-old has come to Jane’s defence amid the backlash the contestant has received from viewers, claiming she has been given a “short straw” and that the criticism directed her way has been “excessive”.
Now, Zoe has opened up about why she believes Jane has been treated unfairly, giving viewers a glimpse into how she sees the controversial contestant away from the drama.
MKR gatecrasher Zoe defends Jane and Shane
While Jane and Shane have copped plenty of criticism from viewers this season, gatecrasher Zoe has stepped forward to defend the controversial couple, particularly Jane.
Speaking to New Idea this week, Zoe said she believes Jane has been unfairly portrayed throughout the competition and suggested audiences may have seen a very different side to her if things had played out differently.
“I believe that Jane has got a short straw and she would have been quite a different person, I really feel for her,” Zoe said.
She also described the backlash Jane has received as “excessive”, arguing that while the contestant has certainly been vocal in her critiques of other teams’ dishes, she hasn’t crossed any lines.
“I think it’s really unfair for Jane to cop the scrutiny and horrible comments that she has because she actually hasn’t said anything off the table,” Zoe explained.
“She’s just being critical about the food. That’s her job, that’s her norm.”
Zoe added that she believes the real issue is less about Jane’s on-screen comments and more about the way viewers have responded to her, saying: “To me, it doesn’t add up. I think it’s what people are saying and doing to Jane.”
Who are Zac and Zoe?
NSW besties Zoe and Zac, both 30, have been thick as thieves for the past 15 years after first crossing paths at work as teenagers.
Since then, the pair have built a rock-solid friendship, and now they’re ready to put their bond to the test in the My Kitchen Rules kitchen.
The duo have very different but complementary personalities, with Zoe bringing the competitive streak and determination while Zac keeps things light with his sense of humour.
Both are loud, energetic and keen to make the most of the experience, so we can expect plenty of laughs (and potentially a little chaos) along the way.
When it comes to cooking, family is a major source of inspiration for both contestants, with each bringing their own family influences and food traditions to the table.
But they’re also looking beyond the competition, with the ultimate dream of opening their own brewery in Newcastle. Their vision? A laid-back local spot serving their very own beer alongside freshly baked bread and delicious food. Honestly, sounds like a pretty good excuse for a road trip!
My Kitchen Rules airs on Channel 7 and 7Plus.
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