Reality TV

MasterChef 2020 is still being filmed, despite the coronavirus pandemic – but there will be some significant changes

Things are going to look a little different in upcoming episodes.
Loading the player...

The coronavirus has impacted all of our day-to-day lives when it comes to both work and play – including our favourite television shows.

Production on ratings giants The Bachelor, The Voice and the upcoming reboot of Big Brother has been temporarily postponed until further notice, but thankfully MasterChef is still going ahead this year.

Filming kicked off in January when social distancing laws were not yet in place, but now the production team behind the hit cooking show has revealed the new guidelines that it has since implemented.

MasterChef started filming in January, before the coronavirus pandemic reached such serious levels.

(Image: Network Ten)

MasterChef is being filmed in Melbourne for its All Stars season and the show is working in accordance with the guidelines in both Victoria and the whole of Australia.

MasterChef Australia has always employed the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, and we now have an even keener focus on that,” an  Endemol Shine Australia spokesperson said.

“ All  recommendations outlined by Federal and State government health authorities are being followed.”

The spokesperson added that new measures are being introduced, but they don’t just involve social distancing and having more hand sanitiser on standby.

New social distancing laws mean these moments are a thing of the past.

(Image: Network Ten)

“On the set, changes will be made to the spacing of contestant cooking benches and gloves provided for team challenges where equipment  may be shared,  as well as when handling food in the pantry.

“ Additional sinks have been added as dedicated hand washing stations, so as to separate from any food preparation.

“Judges will step up to taste individually portioned meals and no cutlery or plates will be shared”.

WATCH BELOW: Poh Ling Yeow returns to MasterChef in 2020 as a contestant. Post continues after video…

Loading the player...

Despite changes to come, the MasterChef season 12 premiere seemed to be the show that everyone needs during these trying times.

“I don’t care if this sounds incredibly soppy, but watching this feels like saying hello to some old friends,” one emotional tweeter penned.

“These intros are giving me CHILLS! Feels like I’ve grown up with this show and these faces,” posted another.

Even Project host Carrie Bickmore weighed in on the show, declaring that “MasterChef feels like a warm hug.”

We’re with you on that one!

Want more on MasterChef 2020? We’ve plated up these links for you:

Grab your aprons! We finally know when this season of MasterChef Australia is kicking off

Meet the MasterChef Australia contestants for 2020

Meet the new judges for MasterChef Australia Season 12

MasterChef fan-favourite Poh Ling Yeow reveals why she’s coming back as a contestant, not a judge, this season

MasterChef Australia: Where are the past winners now?

MasterChef behind the scenes secrets: What happens to all the leftover food will shock you!

Is MasterChef real or fake? The answer will surprise you

MasterChef contestants will bank HOW MUCH by going on the show?! The answer will shock you

Related stories