Andy Allen

Andy Allen is the only ever winner of MasterChef globally, to go on to become a Judge on the same show. In 2012, Andy was only one exam away from becoming a qualified electrician when he took a dare from a mate to enter as a contestant on MasterChef. After gaining entry, Andy admitted he was the most inexperienced cook in the competition, but he knew his fierce competitive streak gave him a chance. Andy swept the field in season 4 of MasterChef, becoming the youngest ever champion and earning more than a few fans along the way.

Andy first met Three Blue Ducks chefs, Mark Labrooy and Darren Robertson, when they appeared as guests on MasterChef. Mark told Andy to come and see them for a ‘real job’ when he was ready. Fast forward to 2016, Andy became a full time member of The Ducks team as one of the head chefs and co-owner of the restaurant group.

Andy has won over audiences with his on screen ‘everyman’ charm and laid back approach to food. After entering the spotlight during MasterChef, Andy has hosted TV series’ Eat Australia on SBS, Andy & Ben Eat the World across Asia, and Farm to Fork on TEN, before becoming the newest resident judge for MasterChef Australia from season 12. He’s also starred in TEN’s show ‘Three Blue Ducks’, about his restaurant group.

Andy is currently the ambassador of Samsung kitchens in Australia, has launched a limited edition chocolate product in the India market in collaboration with Fabelle & Australian Macadamias, and is currently the face of the Clean Up Australia & Peters Drumstick summer campaign.

Andy’s style of cooking matches his personality, full of flavour and honesty. He’s at his happiest in the outdoors catching and cooking a feast for his friends, all while enjoying a few travla beers, his newest commercial enterprise, a beer company he co-founded with Australian actor Travis Fimmel in 2022.

Andy developed a close friendship with Nick Riewoldt after they met on Celebrity MasterChef, shortly after Maddie’s passing. He has since been a dedicated supporter of Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision.