'Gordon and I used to get silly'

Jean-Christophe Novelli on his pal and fellow MasterChef judge Gordon Ramsay

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Out of all the global editions of MasterChef, the Australian version is arguably one of the most creative, and it’s about to serve up one of its tastiest series yet.

The 17th season of MasterChef Australia has revived a fan-favourite format with its Back To Win twist, in which 24 contestants from previous years return for another shot at the title.

Renowned French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli is on the judging panel, reunited with his friend Gordon Ramsay. But while Gordon's reputation as an exacting hothead has the contestants quaking, Jean-Christophe insists his old pal is a big softie at heart.