My Kitchen Rules (MKR) is officially back for 2026, and once again Australia’s home cooks are opening their kitchens — and themselves up to some brutally honest feedback — in the hope of taking out the $100,000 prize.
Returning for the show’s 17th season (yes, really) are longtime judges and beloved chefs Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge, who will travel around the country tasting the teams’ food and deciding who has what it takes to go all the way. Manu has been part of MKR since its launch in 2010, while Colin has been a fixture on the series since joining as a judge in 2013.
This year’s cast already looks like an iconic mix of personalities, including outspoken food stylist Jane and husband Shane, self-described “classy bogans” Alisha and Deanne, funeral home best mates Angus and Simon, farm-loving mother-daughter duo Krysten and Lucy, and Filipino best friends Mary and Golden.
So without further ado, let’s meet the teams!
Meet the My Kitchen Rules teams for 2026:
Angus and Simon
South Australian best mates Angus and Simon have been friends for more than a decade after meeting while working at a pub. Angus is a fifth-generation funeral director, giving the pair plenty of material for the dark humour running through their instant restaurant, appropriately named Last Orders.
“The only thing we’re burying is the competition,” Angus joked.
Their approaches in the kitchen can be very different, but they believe their contrasting strengths — along with a shared love of food — could make them a formidable combo.
Mary and Golden
Best friends Mary and Golden are hoping to put Filipino food front and centre on MKR. The pair met while studying nursing in the Philippines before both moving to Australia in 2004.
Their cooking is deeply connected to their heritage, with the friends wanting to showcase Filipino flavours and the country’s hospitality. They see their time on the show as a chance to celebrate their roots and thank the country they now call home.
“We’re all family having a feast together,” Mary said in a teaser. “I want Australians to experience Filipino cuisine in all its forms. Through our food, I hope they see just how hospitable, generous and caring Filipinos are,” added Golden.
Alisha and Deanne
Adelaide besties Alisha and Deanne describe themselves as “classy bogans” and are promising plenty of chaos both in and out of the kitchen. The pair have been inseparable since meeting as teens at school and say their equally big personalities make the friends feel more like twins.
“We’re two peas in a pod. We’re both chaotic, loud, in-your-face, crazy, funny and quick-witted — and we have absolutely no filter,” Alisha said.
Their food is proudly homestyle, with dishes including Alisha’s nan’s sticky date pudding and Deanne’s birria tacos among the favourites they hope will impress the judges.
Jane and Shane
Married Blue Mountains couple Jane and Shane are bringing two very different personalities to the MKR kitchen. Jane works as a food stylist and has strong opinions about both flavour and presentation, while former hairdresser-turned-builder Shane describes himself as the calmer half of the partnership.
Their food leans towards bold flavours and polished plating, and Jane’s brash confidence — particularly when critiquing other teams — looks likely to bring plenty of drama to dinner.
Krysten and Lucy
Queensland mother-and-daughter duo Krysten and Lucy are bringing country cooking to the competition from their family farm.
Surrounded by animals and fresh produce, the pair are passionate about hearty home-cooked food and the connection that comes from sharing it with others.
Lucy describes her mum as both her best friend and the best cook she knows, making MKR a chance to spend time with her favourite person. “I wouldn’t do this with anyone else. Mum’s the best cook I know, and my best friend,” Lucy sweetly said.
Images: Seven.
My Kitchen Rules is coming soon to Channel 7 and 7Plus.
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