My Kitchen Rules judge Colin Fassnidge has lifted the lid on what really happens behind the scenes of Seven’s long-running cooking competition during an interview on McKnight Tonight with Rob McKnight.
Fassnidge gave viewers a taste of the fast-paced production schedule on MKR, revealing that while contestants are given time to prep ahead, judging can still be unpredictable.
“You never know how long it’s going to take or what the food will be like,” he explained. With courses running back-to-back, he and Manu Feildel often have to improvise between tastings.
“Manu never cooks, so I’ll usually knock something up for us,” Fassnidge said, adding that the pair have shared plenty of meals off-camera while waiting for contestants’ dishes to hit the table.
He likened the on-set atmosphere to “Christmas dinner every day of the week,” pointing to the intensity of personalities under pressure and the drama that naturally unfolds around the table.
For him, the standout contestants each year are always the ones who “cook food they love,” with authenticity trumping over-ambition.
The conversation turned to Australian free-to-air television, with McKnight asking Fassnidge about some of TV’s misfires.
“You’ve been pretty frank about Aussie TV’s misfires—like when MKR was launched against major events. If you could pitch a new TV show—anything at all—what would it be, and why do you think it’s what Australian viewers are missing right now?”
Rob McKnight
Fassnidge acknowledged he’s been critical of past scheduling decisions, particularly when MKR aired against ratings juggernauts like Married at First Sight and the Australian Open a few years back, which he felt put unnecessary pressure on the show.
He suggested a new format aimed at kids and families, focused on teaching people how to use food more wisely.
“We don’t have a cooking show for kids or families, teaching them how to use food wisely,” he said, highlighting the need for practical, everyday food knowledge alongside polished competition formats.
Fassnidge also shared some kitchen wisdom of his own, offering tips on cooking at home — including his go-to method for perfect pork crackling.
You can watch the full interview with Fassnidge in the player below:
