Over a decade ago, Julie Goodwin was crowned the winner of the very first season of MasterChef Australia. Her life soon changed for the better, and now 13 years later, she’s returning to the kitchen to prove she still has what it takes to win the title.
After watching the most recent previews, the cook is definitely feeling the heat, and doubts are starting to kick in about whether her skills from all those years ago, can match up to what’s required now.
In 2009, Goodwin beat Poh Ling-Yeow in the finale for MasterChef Australia and went on to host a television show, write multiple cookbooks, host a radio show and even release a CD of Christmas songs and recipes.
MasterChef Australia wasn’t the only reality TV show she took part in, she also appeared in the first season of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! In 2015.
Boasting close to 40,000 followers on Instagram, Goodwin is well loved, and fans cannot wait to see her back on their screens for the upcoming season of MasterChef Australia: Fans & Favourites.
Speaking to Now To Love, Goodwin revealed that she’s watched every single season of MasterChef Australia since departing the kitchen.
“I was away during much of the last season — I was on a road trip — but I watched it all when I got home. I love it. I still love learning things and I learn something new every time I watch MasterChef.”
Now 51, Goodwin enjoys life with her husband, children and granddaughter, but things weren’t always that way.
In the past, she’s opened up about her battle with severe depression, and checked into a mental health facility for five weeks in 2020.
“I’m working hard and I’m doing all the things I have got to do. There’s quite a lot of things in place like self-care stuff,” she told the hosts of The Morning Show.
“There’s exercise, and therapy, and medication, and a lot of different things that have to be maintained for me to maintain my health. And I’m doing those things and some days are better than others, but life is beautiful and most of the time I am able to really enjoy and embrace that.”
But despite dealing with her fair share of challenges, Goodwin is ready to make her mark once again as she competes against Australia’s most favourite former MasterChef contestants and fresh new cooks.
MasterChef Australia: Fans & Favourites premieres Monday, April 18 on Channel 10 and 10Play.
