The three co-hosts of Channel Ten’s longstanding reality hit Masterchef — George Calombaris, Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan — will be leaving the show after 11 seasons.
The announcement was posted on the channel’s official Masterchef Twitter handle on Tuesday.
A statement from Ten CEO Paul Anderson attributed commercial reasons for the shock departures.
“Despite months of negotiation, 10 has not been able to reach a commercial agreement that was satisfactory to Matt, Gary and George.
“Across 11 sensational seasons, MasterChef Australia has established itself as one of the most popular and respected cooking television series around the world.
“For more than a decade, the iconic series has shaped and driven the Australian public’s passion for food and cooking, delivered iconic television moments, and made the culinary dreams of everyday home cooks come true,” he said.
The announcement comes just one week after Calombaris was found by Fair Work Australia to have underpaid workers by $7.8 million.
It comes after Calombaris was found by Fair Work Australia to have underpaid workers by $7.8 million.
He admitted to underpaying employees at his restaurants by $7.8 million.
He will also make a $200,000 “contrition payment” under a court-enforceable undertaking made with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
On Monday, sponsor Tourism WA dropped Calombaris from its current advertising campaign.
A petition started by trade union Hospo Voice seeking Calombaris’ removal from the show had gained over 25,000 signatures at the time of writing.
The finale of this season’s Masterchef is due to air tonight.
