Reality TV

Julie Goodwin spills on her shock return to MasterChef

"I absolutely loved coming back."
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Fan favourite Julie Goodwin returned to the MasterChef kitchen once more in Sunday night’s episode, much to the delight of both Julie, contestants, and fans watching from home. 

The now 52-year-old shot to fame as the winner of the inaugural season of the reality cooking show in 2009, returning to the kitchen in 2022 to compete in a Fans vs Favourites season where she placed fifth. 

WATCH NOW: Julie Goodwin shares an important message on MasterChef. Article continues after video. 

This time around, Julie took part in the cooking competition as a guest judge, something Julie has described as a “completely different experience.”

“I absolutely loved coming back as a guest judge,” Julie shared with Yahoo Lifestyle. 

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“You’re in a completely different part of the compound before you walk on set, you’re on the judges’ side. And you’re like, ‘Nobody’s deciding my future today, I’m deciding somebody elses’ – although that responsibility is not so much fun.”

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Fans were delighted to see Julie return. (Credit: Channel 10)

Julie went on to add that she was grateful to have been able to “kick around” with judges Andy Allen, Melissa Leong, and the late Jock Zonfrillo. 

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“It was great to have some fun with them and have a bit more conversation with them than you can have when you’re a contestant.” 

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Julie shot to fame on MasterChef almost 15 years ago. (Credit: Channel 10)

When the official MasterChef Australia Instagram revealed that Julie would be returning to the kitchen for an elimination cook-off, fans went wild!

“I’m so looking forward to seeing it,” one fan wrote. 

“OMG JULES! I saw u winning season 1 and now…ur back! Never doubt yourself!” said another. 

“How lovely it was to see you on Masterchef,” said a third after the episode aired, “I hope there will be more to come. You’re amazing!” 

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