‘MasterChef Australia’ 2017 latest news: Fans get a first glimpse of the upcoming season; judges take on the mannequin challenge

Three months since “MasterChef Australia” wrapped Season 8, fans are clamouring for the return of Channel Ten’s hit reality show.

On its official Facebook page, the culinary competition offered a behind-the-scenes sneak peek of the upcoming season. In the video, Judges George Calombaris, Gary Mehigana and Matt Preston are seen gamely doing the viral mannequin challenge along with some of the show’s staff and crew. The video’s caption went, “It might not look like much is happening but we assure you we’re very busy filming the next season of MasterChef!”

The three gentlemen seemed to have nailed the mannequin challenge, an online video trend wherein people remain frozen in action like mannequins. Followers of the reality show have clearly missed the judges, expressing their excitement on watching “MasterChef Australia” 2017.

One fan wrote, “Ahhhh so excited! Have been addicted ever since I found this series… love love love all the food. Best Masterchef series of all.” Another commented, “I cannot wait for the new season… they just [get] better and better every year…” An avid watcher said, “Brilliant! Great to see behind the scenes of the filming.”

Earlier in July, 32-year-old teacher Elena Duggan won the “MasterChef Australia” 2016 title after a three-round finale with runner-up Matt Sinclair. She took home $250,000 prize money to kick off her food dream, as well as a monthly column in Delicious, a national food magazine. Matt, on the other hand, was awarded $40,000 courtesy of the new ANZ Travel Adventures card, while third-place winner Harry Foster received $10,000.

[READ: “Matt gets early lead but struggles with dessert; Elena wins this year’s title by a narrow margin”]

Despite his failure to win “MasterChef Australia,” Matt has since forged ahead to make his food dreams come true. The 27-year-old former coffee roaster has recently opened his own food truck, called Ten Piece Cutlery. Owning a food truck has always been Matt’s dream, and he experienced working on one while competing in “MasterChef Australia.

[READ: “‘MasterChef Australia’ 2016 runner-up Matt Sinclair flourishes into a successful food truck owner”]

Harry, on the other hand, appears to be enjoying a sweet romance with fellow former rival Mimi Baines. Other “MasterChef Australia” 2016 contestants are also savouring their respective successes after the reality show, including Trent Harvey, Elise Franciskovic, Heather Day, Nicolette Stathopoulos, Zoe Konikkos, Karmen Lu, Con Vailas and Jimmy Wong.

“MasterChef Australia” 2017 is expected to air its upcoming installment early next year. Stay tuned for “MasterChef Australia” spoilers and news.