A MasterChef Australia insider has revealed that Channel Ten have had their eye on new judge Poh Ling Yeow as far back as 2019. 

The former contestant was considered as a replacement for outgoing judges Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan when they were booted that year.

'The conversations around the boardroom started with a dream team of judges that would work well together and Poh was on that list for sure,' the source told Yahoo.

The plans were put on ice however, with producers allegedly keen to get Poh and former winner Julie Goodwin to return for the Back to Win celebrity season. 

The pause allowed Poh to gain further TV experience, as did her appearance on other shows. 

'We had her back for Back to Win which was a great TV moment' the source continued. 

'She was able to do I'm A Celebrity and had an amazing opportunity to host a show with Snackmasters.'

Poh joined the new lineup after the exit of Melissa Leong and the death of Jock Zonfrillo.

Andy Allen has returned to the Channel Ten cooking show alongside some new faces in a panel shake-up.

He is joined by French celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, Melbourne-based food critic Sofia Levin, and MasterChef season one runner-up Poh.

They replace outgoing judge Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo, who tragically died last year.

As the 16th season premiered earlier this month, the new lineup has since received mixed reactions on social media, with many fans taking to X to weigh in on their judging skills.

'Feels weird without Mel and Jock but looking forward to these new judges,' one commented. 

'I do love Poh... she's my favourite ever contestant from that show,' another added. 

Another agreed: 'Living for Poh's chaotic energy. So happy she's back on my screen!'