who.com.au
08.04.2022 / 06:27
Ever wondered how much the MasterChef contestants pocket when they go on the show?
MasterChef Australia, there's no denying the talent belonging to some of the contestants. But like anything, there's got to be at least a little compensation to pouring their hearts and souls into highly stressful challenges as they get tested in ways they've never been before in the elusive kitchen setting.WATCH: MasterChef returns in 2022And while there's no doubt that the contestants are paid during the show, the actual sum of said payment has been a little unclear - until now.Enter us curious folk, who did some digging to find out exactly what lures so many foodies to try their hand at the show each year...When MasterChef first hit Aussie screens in 2009, the country was immediately enamoured with the cook-off format series.Now, many of our country's most loved chefs have strong ties with the show - either as former contestants or guest judges.In 2022, a whole bunch of "favourites" will return.Indeed the show does seem to be quite the labour of love for budding cooks, who undergo challenging tests against the clock in a format that would stress out even the most cool, calm and collected of us.But is there at least some kind of lucrative lure to sweeten the deal for those that don't go on to win? Well, as it turns out, it seems there really isn't.Yep, reports on the show have revealed that contestants are actually only paid slightly more than the legal minimum wage.According to the Sydney Morning Herald, a mere $630 allowance each week was handed out to the 2013 contestants, which is only slightly more than the minimum $583 a week for an entry level cook.Added extras included food and accommodation expenses covered, but even so, that's not a lot to write home about.In 2011, the situation was even more dire, with it