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 is here, and that means one thing: it’s time to put faces to the names of the MasterChef Australia 2023 cast! One of the contestants who will be competing for the win this season is Theo Loizou, a 37-year-old electrician from Victoria.
Theo’s Road to the MasterChef Kitchen
Theo’s parents came to Australia with nothing, with his mum from Greece and dad from Cyprus. He has a deep affinity for the food and culture of his ancestry, and grew up learning from both his parents and grandparents in the kitchen.
After 12 years working as an electrician, Theo decided it was time for a change. In 2019, he packed up his life and moved to France to pursue his dream of becoming a baker. Despite not speaking French, he landed a job in a Parisienne boulangerie. There, he honed his baking skills for three years, before returning to Melbourne with his partner.
Follow Theo on Instagram here.
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Related: Where to Follow the ‘MasterChef Australia: Secrets and Surprises’ Cast on Instagram
What Theo’s Bringing to MasterChef Australia 2023
In the MasterChef kitchen, Theo plans to showcase his bread-making skills and lean into his Greek heritage wherever possible. He knows that hard work counts for a lot, and plans to keep his head down and work hard towards his goals, showing the judges his willingness to learn.
Theo describes his relationship with food as intense, and he loves to push his limits in the kitchen. He trusts his intuition and prefers to cook by feel rather than follow a recipe to the letter. For him, the less direction, the better the dish.
He counts culinary idols such as Anthony Bourdain, Ben Shewry, Rick Stein, and Massimo Bottura.
Theo’s Hobbies, Interests, and Dreams Beyond MasterChef Australia
When he’s not in the kitchen, Theo enjoys travelling, hitting the gym, and boxing.
He plans to open an artisanal bakery that specialises in sustainable bread, with flour and grain sourced from local farmers and using only the best possible ingredients.
With his dream to work in food beyond the competition already fully formed, Theo is here to make it happen.
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:
- The Heat Is on: ‘MasterChef Australia 2023’ Brings Both Flavour and Drama
- 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’ 2023
- ‘MasterChef Australia’ 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 Australia’, and Now She’s Ready to Win It
- Andrea Is Ready to Push His Skills to the Limit on ‘MasterChef’ 2023
- Antonio Is a Software Developer Who’s Ready to Win ‘MasterChef’ 2023
- Brent Is Back for ‘MasterChef’ 2023, and He Wants to Inspire Others
- Cath Is Ready to Make Her Culinary Dreams Come True on ‘MasterChef Australia’
- Jessica Is an Optometrist Who Sees Herself Winning ‘MasterChef Australia’ 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’ 2023
- 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’
- Rhiannon Is Ready to Follow Her Dreams on ‘MasterChef’
- Robbie Is Bringing Aboriginal Asian Fusion to ‘MasterChef’
- Rue Has Her Eyes on the Prize on ‘MasterChef’
- “Deeply Shocked and Saddened” — ‘MasterChef Australia’ Judge Jock Zonfrillo Has Died Aged 46
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