I’d like Kylie Kwong for a female judge. No nonsense, to counter any batting eyelids.

I was surprised that the beauty queen didn’t get into Masterchef 1. perhaps she cooked something really awful – even still I would’ve thought she’d get into the top 50 just for variety of contestants. I wonder if she gave them the idea for Masterchef Celebrity version.

I thought Ryan did well – homemade pasta always impresses. Bolognaise does need to cook for a while – but how long to they actually have – does this mean that any casserole type food is off the agenda, as they only have 2 hours?

CG – I agree regarding the female judge, a female presence is definitely needed. Chritine Mansfield is a good choice, she is tough but fair, and she would take no crap from George.
I think the dilution of the Masterchef brand is a worry

Best thing about last night’s show was Ryan, I’d say…

Other than that: *yawn*

It is just too much obnoxiousness sometimes with three male judges, esp when there is a young, “sexy” thing in the mix.

I’m surprised if Rachel did try out for MC1 that she didn’t make it into the top 50 (or whatever the size of the large group they started the series with). I guess the guys preferred Poh’s exotic looks over Rachel’s curves and Queensland charm or (more likely) she got the Miss Universe nod during the try outs.

I hope by the start of “real life” MC2 they have a female judge on board. I am not saying that one of the male judges necessarily needs to go but it might be a little sloppy with four judges, esp in the early rounds when there are so many contestants.

How about this: three “chef” judges: Gary, George and female chef. With Matt coming in/out esp in the later rounds or, Matt acting more as “host” in Sarah’s old role but participating selectively in the judging??

My vote for the female chef is still with Christine Manfield (this choice also brings a Sydney person into the judging mix to dilute the uber-Melbourne focus of things). Although I suppose the choices may be from the celebrity judges we are seeing in the celebrity series. If that is the choice then I’d probably go with Kylie Kwong, which also brings a different kind of cuisine into the mix.

RR, it would be great if you could right a piece on this – too much testosterone in the kitchen spoils the ??? – and bring some attention to the issue so they can think about doing something about it over the summer.