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.
Australia’s most wholesome cooking reality TV competition is back. This year, the theme is MasterChef Australia: Secrets and Surprises, and we can’t wait to see what the judges have in store for for the MasterChef Australia 2023 cast. But first, it’s time to put faces to the names of the hopeful home cooks who will be competing for the win.
Meet Jessica Perri, a 35-year-old optometrist from Victoria who sees food as more than just nourishment.
Jessica’s Love for Cooking
For Jessica, food is a way of expressing love, passion, comfort, tradition, education, and much more.
Her inspiration in the kitchen comes from her two Nonnas, who taught her to cook from the age of three, using the “alla buona” method — cooking effortlessly, and with minimal fuss.
Now, Jessica sees it as her gift and responsibility to continue the family legacy through food, which she doesn’t take lightly.
Growing up on a 30-acre property, Jessica learned a lot about produce from her dad’s thriving vegetable garden.
With a library of cookbooks at home, Jessica loves cooking all types of pasta and enjoys making ‘pretty pasta’. In fact, Jessica’s dream is that she will one day be able to make a living plating up her pretty pasta for customers.
Follow Jessica on Instagram here.
Related: Introducing the ‘MasterChef Australia: Secrets and Surprises’ Top 18
Related: Where to Follow the ‘MasterChef Australia: Secrets and Surprises’ Cast on Instagram
Jessica’s Journey to MasterChef Australia 2023
In 2015, Jessica moved to New York City on a whim with her husband, where they stayed for four years. After their first child was born, they returned to Australia, where they now have a family of four.
One of Jessica’s motivations for taking on the MasterChef competition is to show her children that they can take risks, be brave, and pursue their passions. As an optometrist of 13 years, Jessica often craves a creative outlet, which she finds in the kitchen.
Believing she has what it takes to change her path in life towards food, Jessica is excited to take on the pressure of the MasterChef kitchen.
With her tenacity and determination, she plans to draw on all the skills she’s learned over the years to create something truly special.
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 Australia’ 2023
- ‘MasterChef Australia’ 2023: Adi Is a Doctor Who Combines Science and Cooking
- Alice Is a Gifted Academic, But Will She Win ‘MasterChef Australia’ 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 Australia’ 2023
- Antonio Is a Software Developer Who’s Ready to Win ‘MasterChef Australia’
- Brent Is Back for ‘MasterChef Australia’ 2023, and He Wants to Inspire Others
- Cath Is Ready to Make Her Culinary Dreams Come True on ‘MasterChef Australia’
- 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’ 2023 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’ 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
Read more stories from The Latch and subscribe to our email newsletter.
