Filming on the new season of MasterChef Australia is continuing in Melbourne despite the coronavirus outbreak shutting down most TV productions around the world.
The long-running cooking contest is currently shooting its 12th season, which features an all-new judging panel and a new format that sees 24 former contestants return for another shot at winning.
The show is traditionally stripped five nights a week for three months on Network Ten, but filming each season typically takes around seven months, meaning that the latter stages are normally still being filmed when it premieres on TV.
According to Australia's Daily Telegraph, the show's execs have been forced to adapt production due to coronavirus, cancelling all outside filming and axing planned trips to different parts of the country.
Scheduled guest appearances from Nigella Lawson and Heston Blumenthal have had to be cancelled, although episodes with Katy Perry, Gordon Ramsay and chef Curtis Stone are already in the bag.
The remaining contestants will be required to wear gloves and serve up individual tasting plates to the three judges rather than presenting their dishes on a sharing platter.
New judge Andy Allen told the newspaper: "The vibe on set is really positive. There's a real sense that we are all in this together. Then you take a break and you look at your phone and see the news, or talk to people about what's going on, and it's really stressful."
The new season is scheduled to begin Monday, April 13 on Ten, while a UK transmission date has yet to be confirmed.
Neil Wilkes
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