Since publishing this story, Network Ten has announced the death of MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo on April 30, 2023. MasterChef Australia Secrets and Surprises will now premiere on Sunday, May 7, with the full support of Zonfrillo’s family.
MasterChef Australia: Secrets and Surprises has finally kicked off, so we’re spending some time getting to know all the new contestants. That’s right! It’s time to put faces to the names of the MasterChef Australia 2023 cast, one of whom is 46-year-old Rhiannon Anderson, from Queensland.
Rhiannon’s Life Before MasterChef Australia: Secrets and Surprises
Up to now, Rhiannon has spent much of her life caring for others. Now, it’s time for the Townsville mum to focus on her passion for cooking.
With 18 years of experience in finance and 11 years as a bank branch and lending centre manager, Rhiannon now runs a family transport business with her husband.
But cooking has always been her constant love, and with her children and stepchildren all grown up, Rhiannon is ready to follow her dream. She wants to show her kids that anything is possible, no matter your age.
In the kitchen, Rhiannon loves to work with fresh produce and merge Asian flavours with tropical ingredients to create bold, punchy dishes. She’s not daunted by the pressure of the MasterChef kitchen. In fact, she’s confident in her ability to handle anything that comes her way.
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Related: Introducing the ‘MasterChef Australia: Secrets and Surprises’ Top 18
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Rhiannon’s Biggest Inspirations
Rhiannon is inspired by chefs like Rick Stein, Clare Smyth, Gordon Ramsay, Matt Sinclair, and Maggie Beer. She also loves Charlie Carrington’s global menus at Atlas Dining and instilling cultural awareness through food.
In life, though, Rhiannon’s biggest inspiration was her mother, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 2021. Her mother was a chef and taught Rhiannon everything she knows in the kitchen. She encouraged Rhiannon to apply for MasterChef Australia, making her spot in the Top 18 even more special.
Rihannon’s Hobbies and Dreams Beyond the Kitchen
Aside from her passion for cooking, Rhiannon is also an accomplished water-skier and holds the title of the 2022 national women’s 45+ champion. She stays fit with bike riding, walking, and weights.
Rihannon dreams of opening her own restaurant in Townsville and penning a cookbook dedicated to her mother. In the meantime, she is determined to soak up all the knowledge she can, and bring global cuisine and big flavours to far north Queensland.
MasterChef Australia: Secrets and Surprises premieres Sunday, May 7 at 7.30pm, only on 10 and 10 Play on Demand.
Want more MasterChef Australia? Read all our content here, and check out the stories below:
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- Get Ready to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with ‘MasterChef: Dessert Masters’
- Introducing the ‘MasterChef Australia: Secrets and Surprises’ Top 18
- The Secrets and Surprises Are About to Begin on ‘MasterChef Australia’ 2023
- ‘MasterChef’ 2023: Adi Is a Doctor Who Combines Science and Cooking
- Alice Is a Gifted Academic, But Will She Win ‘MasterChef’ 2023?
- Amy Grew Up Watching ‘MasterChef’, and Now She’s Ready to Win It
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- Brent Is Back for ‘MasterChef’ 2023, and He Wants to Inspire Others
- Cath Is Ready to Make Her Culinary Dreams Come True on ‘MasterChef’
- Jessica Is an Optometrist Who Sees Herself Winning ‘MasterChef’ 2023
- Declan Is a Carpenter Who’s Ready to Get His Hands Dirty on ‘MasterChef’
- Grace Refuses to Let Endometriosis Get In Her Way on ‘MasterChef’
- Larissa Is Ready to Take on the ‘MasterChef’ Kitchen
- Malissa Is Ready for Her Once-In-a-Lifetime ‘MasterChef’ Experience
- Phil Is Ready to Bring His A-Game to ‘MasterChef’
- Ralph Is Bringing His Passion for Food and Family to ‘MasterChef’
- Robbie Is Bringing Aboriginal Asian Fusion to ‘MasterChef’
- Rue Has Her Eyes on the Prize on ‘MasterChef’ 2023
- Theo Is an Electrician Who Plans to Show His Spark on ‘MasterChef’
- “Deeply Shocked and Saddened” — ‘MasterChef Australia’ Judge Jock Zonfrillo Has Died Aged 46
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