MasterChef fans slam controversial edit of new judge as they call for ‘insane’ chef to get more screen time than the other stars: ‘Our favourite’
Fans of MasterChef Australia have criticized a judge’s controversial edit of this year’s series just weeks before the expected finale.
On Friday, viewers took to Reddit en masse to express their displeasure over the fact that French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli was given less screen time than his co-hosts.
Jean-Christophe, 63, is on the judging panel this year alongside Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow and Sofia Levin and has quickly become a fan favourite on the show.
But one disgruntled fan noted: ‘I personally think he’s great, but I feel like the contestants and the judges don’t pay much attention to him.
‘They don’t really involve him in the discussions with the participants, don’t even look in his direction while talking.
‘I laugh a little when he talks out loud, and I laugh shyly when he praises me or hits the table.
‘Poh gets all the attention and is part of everything. Even when he praises the participants, they don’t take him seriously.’
The viewer went on to say that Jean-Christophe is very “nice” and “tries to be as helpful as possible, but no one really cares.”
Fans of MasterChef Australia have called out a judge’s controversial edit of this year’s series, just weeks ahead of the expected finale. Pictured from left to right: Andy Allen, Jean-Christophe Novelli, Poh Ling Yeow and Sofia Levin
Other users agreed, with many praising the restaurateur for his uplifting and positive personality during the Channel 10 cooking competition.
“He’s definitely our favorite judge. A breath of fresh air,” said one.
Another added: ‘He’s so crazy, I love it. Banging the table, screaming with joy in the restaurant service challenge. Sticking the crab on Harry.’
Viewers flocked to Reddit on Friday to express their displeasure over the fact that French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, 63, (pictured) wasn’t getting as much screen time as his co-hosts.
‘Less Andy saying, “It’s a stunner,” and “That’s just full of flavor,” and more JC! He is so encouraging, honest and such a funny person,” a third commented.
According to one user, the cutscenes in Jean-Christophe may have less to do with what the other jurors and candidates think of him, and more to do with the producers.
They said, “For some reason the producers/editors are minimizing JC’s screen time, i.e. the Sue editing. So they show fewer interactions from JC to everyone.”
One disgruntled fan commented: ‘Personally I think he’s great, but I feel like the candidates and the jury don’t pay much attention to him’
The 2024 season is still underway, but Network 10 has already confirmed that Jean-Christophe will return in 2025 alongside Andy, Poh and Sofia.
The panel of four made their debut this year in season 16 after Andy, 36, was the only judge to return to the show from last year’s panel.
Melissa Leong was axed from the series and Jock Zonfrillo tragically passed away in April last year, just one day before season 15 aired.
Andy, who joined the panel in 2020, admitted he wasn’t sure if he would return after the devastating loss of Jock, but decided his friend would have wanted him to.