Original MasterChef judges Matt Preston, George Colombaris and Gary Mehigan reunite for Christmas lunch following George’s scandal
Original MasterChef Australia judges Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris quit the reality cooking series last year after a reported pay dispute with Channel 10.
But the trio appeared to be in good spirits as they reunited to enjoy a Christmas lunch together at Graceburn & Tedesca in Victoria.
Posting to Instagram, Gary, 53, shared several images of the pals beaming as they posed together.
The gang’s back! Original MasterChef Australia judges Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris reunited to enjoy a Christmas lunch together at Graceburn & Tedesca in Victoria
‘What a fabulous lunch @graceburn_tedesca with the boys… so nice to catch up, laugh, eat, drink and remind ourselves why we all get along so bloody well,’ he captioned the post.
‘@tedesca72 Patrick James and the team thank you and have a wonderful Christmas! Feel free to comment on Matt’s expressions.’
Gary opted for a casual look featuring a blue linen shirt which he paired with beige chinos and his glasses.
Fun outing: Posting to Instagram Gary, 53, shared several images of the pals beaming as they posed together
Style: Gary opted for a casual chic look featuring a blue linen shirt which he paired with beige chinos. Meanwhile, George opted for denim jeans and a navy jumper, while Matt showed off his unique fashion sense with bright colours
Meanwhile, George, 42, opted for denim jeans and a navy jumper, while Matt showed off his unique fashion sense with bright colours.
The food critic, 59, sported green and white striped pants which he coupled with a navy button up shirt and an orange vest.
The trio also posed for a photo with restaurant owner, Bridgitte Hefner, who was sporting her kitchen uniform.
Meeting the boss: The trio also posed for a photo with restaurant owner, Bridgitte Hefner, who was sporting her kitchen uniform
Their reunion comes after George left MasterChef amid demands he be dumped from the reality cooking show for underpaying his restaurant staff nearly $8million.
In July, Network 10 made the shock announcement that the Season 11 finale would be the last for George as well as fellow judges Matt and Gary.
In a statement – which avoided mentioning George’s scandal – 10’s CEO Paul Anderson claimed the decision followed months of failed talks with the chefs.
Reports have claimed the trio chose to walk away from the program after 10 refused to give them a significant pay boost.
Scandal: Their reunion comes after George left MasterChef amid demands he be dumped from the reality cooking show for underpaying his restaurant staff nearly $8million