MasterChef judge Andy Allen has praised the franchise’s inaugural winner, Julie Goodwin, for her courage as she prepares to return to the franchise.
Julie will join a mix of newcomers and series veterans on MasterChef Australia: Fans & Faves, which premieres on Channel 10 on April 18.
The 50-year-old’s television comeback follows her harrowing battle with depression.
Admiration: MasterChef judge Andy Allen (pictured) has praised the franchise’s inaugural winner, Julie Goodwin, for her courage as she prepares to return to the franchise
Andy, a former contestant-turned-judge, told Yahoo it was inspiring to see Julie back in the MasterChef kitchen after everything she’d been through.
‘Along with the new format, having Julie back is the best thing about this series,’ he said.
‘To see her open up and to see how raw and emotional she is about the past… I’ll never forget how powerful it was.’
Road to recovery: Andy, a former contestant-turned-judge, told Yahoo it was inspiring to see Julie back in the MasterChef kitchen after her battle with depression. (Pictured: Julie with runner-up Poh Ling Yeow during the finale of MasterChef season one in 2009)
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Julie defeated runner-up Poh Ling Yeow 13 years ago, but Andy said the mother of three is acutely aware of how much the cooking scene has changed since then.
While she was renowned for her hearty home recipes in 2009, MasterChef dishes are better known these days for their technique-driven finesse.
Julie spoke about her recovery from depression on The Morning Show in February.
Wholesome: Julie defeated runner-up Poh Ling Yeow 13 years ago, but Andy said the mother of three is acutely aware of how much the cooking scene has changed since then
She told hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies that exercise, therapy and medication had helped her following her five-week stint in a mental health facility.
‘I’m working hard and I’m doing all the things I have got to do,’ she said.
MasterChef Australia: Fans & Favourites premieres Monday, April 18, at 7.30pm on Channel 10 and 10Play On Demand
Don’t miss it: MasterChef Australia: Fans & Favourites premieres Monday, April 18, at 7.30pm on Channel 10 and 10Play On Demand
Source: Daily Mail
