International chefs still in MasterChef (just not as many as usual).

“Best Food Ever. Best Cooks Ever” declares a MasterChef Australia promo.

Like Scott Cam declaring “Biggest Block Ever!” haven’t we heard it all before?

“People say to me, ‘Oh, you say this every year.’ But honestly, every year, it’s true. Well, most years, it’s true!” says Beverley McGarvey, Chief Content Officer & EVP, ViacomCBS Australia & NZ.

“The contestants are phenomenal this year. They’re interesting. They’re amazing cooks. The interesting thing about MasterChef is they are so passionate about doing it, and they’re so authentic. That makes really interesting storytelling. The food’s incredible. So this series is very strong.

“Last year, we of course had our Back to Win contestants who all came with existing profiles, and they did an incredible job. I think this is the year that we can really enjoy seeing Mel, Jock & Andy. So we’re very excited about that.”

But there will also be some adjustment to the series, which began filming late last year during Melbourne’s COVID restrictions.

“We do have some international chefs taking part in the show. But obviously, we’re not flying people in and out as much as we normally would.”

MasterChef Australia S13 will screen on 10 after Easter.