Inside MasterChef judge Andy Allen’s surprising relationship (2024)

It was simpler times in 2012 when Andy Allen took the MasterChef Australia title, and the former Newcastle-based electrician had no idea the win would lead to his future fiancée Alex Davey.

Andy has gone on to become a judge on thereinvigorated versionofMasterChefand owes the show much of his professional and personal success.

However, there was a risk that taking on the program would hurt his relationship.

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How did Andy Allen meet his wife?

In an interview with our sister publicationTV WEEK, Andy spilled details about how he met Alex at a party.

However, it wasn’t until someone told her where he was from that she even knew who he was.

“When we met, she had no idea who I was,” he explained.

“We were both at a party just after I won, and a few people were talking about it. She kept saying, ‘You won MasterChef?’ She thought it was a joke,” Andy shared with the publication.

Not knowing who Andy was may have been a recipe for their success as the chef could be sure that she was interested in him for the right reasons.

Inside MasterChef judge Andy Allen’s surprising relationship (1)

When did Allen Allen start dating his wife?

The night the two met was not to eventuate in love, at least initially.

In fact, a few years went past until the two finally crossed each other’s paths again, and this time the judge made sure to ask her out.

Luckily, they were both single after all that time because they would be ready to spend forever together four years later.

Inside MasterChef judge Andy Allen’s surprising relationship (2)

When did Andy Allen propose to his girlfriend?

Four years after reuniting, Andy popped the question, and as one expects, the chef was scared Alex might reject him.

In an interview with TV Week, he explained in detail how he went about his international proposal in New Zealand.

Andy recounted how he’d barely left Melbourne Airport when the nerves started to hit him because he was worried going through security would give away his plans.

Clearly, the judge had never travelled with jewellery before or perhaps the nerves faded his better judgement.

“I was so scared about the ring going off in the scanner at the airport and having to drop down on one knee and propose in front of the security guards,” Andy told the publication.

Even though Andy successfully evaded any slip-ups while the couple travelled to New Zealand, the chef ran into some bad luck once they entered the country.

“I drove down to what I was told was a nice secluded beach,” Andy explains. “But when we got there, there were more than 300 people on the beach, and the only free spot I could find was next to a couple of 16-year-olds violently pashing. It was the least romantic spot ever!”

Inside MasterChef judge Andy Allen’s surprising relationship (3)

In an attempt to save the moment, Andy made the swift decision to ask Alex to take a walk with him, and when they found an intimate spot, he decided to get down on one nervous knee.

Despite his insecurities about her answer, he was welcomed by an emotional outburst from Alex as she, perhaps, too gleefully reacted to the news.

The only thing is she forgot to actually give Andy an answer.

“She was so shocked, she basically collapsed on my shoulder,” Andy said. “I pretty much had to ask her if it was a ‘yes’. She was very shocked.”

Inside MasterChef judge Andy Allen’s surprising relationship (4)

Have Andy and Alex had to face relationship hurdles?

It is easy to assume that being asked to become a judge on a show you once won years before would be an incredibly complimentary offer.

However, for Andy, it posed a risk to his relationship.

Before he confirmed with the show that he would be joining Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo, he needed to have an important conversation with Alex.

Alex is based in Sydney, and because MasterChef is filmed in Melbourne, it meant that the couple would have to agree to attempt long-distance and make it work.

“Alex is in Sydney and I’m in Melbourne for filming, so we had to talk about how we would make long-distance work.

“But we were both so excited about the opportunity that we knew we could get through anything together.”

When faced with this challenge, Andy decided to reach out to his former mentor and ex MasterChef judge, Matt Preston, for advice.

Matt spoke candidly with Andy about how he can best juggle his relationship and the demanding MasterChef film schedule.

Andy recalled how Matt basically told him the only way to make it work is always to find time for each other.

“He said it can be hard with filming, and to make sure I set aside days to have a long weekend with Alex and time away from the set,” said Andy.

Inside MasterChef judge Andy Allen’s surprising relationship (5)

Who else has Andy dated?

Way back in 2013 to 2016, Andy was linked to Home and Away star Charlotte Best, who played Annie Campbell on the show.

Although the couple was mostly private about their relationship in 2015, Annie and Andy opened up their love for one another in an interview with our sister publicationELLE.

They spoke about meeting on a blind date that went wrong but did not get in the way of the two becoming inseparable.

“We both travel separately for work but are also very lucky to get to travel together a lot. Downtime is stagnant in both our careers and so far we have been able to make it work really well,” Charlotte said.

It appears Andy has a thing for women who can’t cook because, in their interview, he ousted Charlotte for being useless in the kitchen.

“Charlotte has caused herself to be locked out of the kitchen on numerous occasions. She’s hopeless. Sh-t hits the fan, literally. Char just bought me a pasta-making machine, so I’d say my signature dish (at the moment), is pasta” he said.

Both parties have remained silent about the reasons for their split.

Inside MasterChef judge Andy Allen’s surprising relationship (6)

Does Andy Allen cook with his wife?

As the saying goes, opposites attract, and while that may not always be true, most of the time, balance keeps relationships healthy.

Obviously, Andy has a deep love and appreciation for the art of cooking, but according to the renowned cook, his future wife doesn’t have culinary chops.

Andy spilled to TV WEEK, “She’ll hate me saying this, but Alex flat out can’t cook.

“It’s very much a case of opposites attract on that front. Of course, we have the same morals and values, but she doesn’t cook.”

Considering that having the same values and morals are essential ingredients for a strong relationship, Andy will be just fine that Alex may not know how to make a risotto.

Inside MasterChef judge Andy Allen’s surprising relationship (7)

When did Andy Allen get married?

In October 2022, the couple sealed the deal with a luxurious wedding at the historic Terrara House in Southern New South Wales.

Guests included the likes of Magdalena Roze and her husband Darren Robertson, Melissa Leong and her boyfriend Rob Mason, and even former Bachelor alum Cat Henesey-Smith.

The lovebirds then went on to enjoy a luxurious honeymoon at Huka Lodge in Taupo, New Zealand.

Inside MasterChef judge Andy Allen’s surprising relationship (8)

In October 2023, the lovebirds celebrated one year of marriage, Andy penning a sweet tribute to his wife on his Instagram.

“One. Year. Today. There’s ups and downs like any marriage, but being next to you makes everything okay.❤️ @alexxandra.allen,” wrote Andy.

Alexandra also shared numerous BTS snaps of their special day on her Instagram stories, reminiscing on the happiest day of her life.

“One year ago today I clipped a wedding ring onto this mangled finger and married this natty wine-loving cutie @andyallencooks,” she shared.

Inside MasterChef judge Andy Allen’s surprising relationship (9)

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Inside MasterChef judge Andy Allen’s surprising relationship (2024)

FAQs

Who is Andy Allen's wife? ›

Andy Allen | Couldn't be more proud of my weapon of a wife @alexxandra. allen for completing her first half marathon. You inspire me!

What happened to Andy on MasterChef? ›

We're all in it to make a good show, but the show is actually about making the show.” Since the first two seasons, a lot had changed. Andy is now part of the hip Three Blue Ducks tribe while Ben is a father to two girls and has returned to Tasmania where he produces a cooking show and runs a cooking school.

Are Andy Allen and Ben Milbourne still friends? ›

MasterChef: Back to Win's Ben Milbourne could have an unfair advantage over the other contestants as he is best friends with judge, Andy Allen. Andy and Ben met on MasterChef season four in 2012 and the pair have been close mates since then. The chefs are so close they have travelled and worked together in the past.

What did Andy Allen do after winning MasterChef? ›

In the 12 years since winning MasterChef, Andy Allen has had a very successful career. For starters, he wrote a cookbook, The Next Element, in 2012. He also became the co-owner of Three Blue Ducks, a restaurant that has five locations around Australia.

Is Andy Allen in a relationship? ›

Now a judge on the show and happily married to his wife Alex Davey, Andy owes the cooking show a great deal considering how much of an impact it had on both his professional and personal life.

Who is Andy from married With Children? ›

Peggy attracts a guy named Andy played by Sam McMurray. They go dancing a couple times a week. Finally, Andy's wife shows up at Al's door. It turns out that Andy's gay and his wife is actually a man played by Dan Castellnata.

What restaurant does Andy Allen own? ›

Andy and the Ducks now have five restaurants around Australia, including Byron and Melbourne. Not one to rest on his laurels, Andy got back into television, presenting Andy And Ben Eat Australia, Andy And Ben Eat The World, Farm To Fork, and Three Blue Ducks.

Who is Po's husband? ›

Is Andy Allen a trained chef? ›

Celebrity Chef, 2012 MasterChef Winner and MasterChef Judge

Before MasterChef, Andy taught himself to cook by watching various food shows. He often spent his weekends hosting a barbecue or lunch for his friends. In addition, Andy developed a strong passion for all things seafood during fishing trips with his family.

What is Andy Allen doing now? ›

Career. Andy pursued a career in the hospitality industry. He now co-owns a restaurant, Three Blue Ducks, that has five locations around Australia, in Rosebery, Byron Bay, Nimbo and Bellingen in New South Wales, as well as Melbourne in Victoria.

Are Jock and Andy friends? ›

His fellow judge Andy Allen not only worked with Jock, but also found a best friend in him as well. More than a year on from his passing, Andy shared an emotional tribute to his late friend on a recent episode of MasterChef.

What is Ben Milbourne doing now? ›

Most recently, Ben and his wife Sally have started their own production company, Cultivate. With the help of 12 local Tasmanian employees, Ben has produced and delivered his own TV Show, Food Lab, that aired on Network 10 in 2017 exploring the science behind cooking.

Has anyone from MasterChef won a Michelin star? ›

Elizabeth "Liz" Haigh (née Allen, born May 1988) is a Singaporean-born chef who competed on MasterChef in 2011, and went on to win a Michelin star at the Hackney-based restaurant Pidgin. Haigh currently operates the kopitiam Mei Mei at Borough Market.

Who walked out of MasterChef? ›

Graham Elliot left the show after six seasons.

Are any of the MasterChef winners successful? ›

When it comes to contestants who've owned the most restaurants, Thomasina Miers sits in first place. After her win in the MasterChef kitchen back in 2005, she opened her first Wahaca restaurant in London in 2007.

Who is the wife of Andy Hyde? ›

Andrew's wife, Kierra, says her husband was a wonderful man who was loved by everyone.

Who is Andy from Ellen married to? ›

He is a producer and writer, known for The Rosie O'Donnell Show (1996), The Ellen DeGeneres Show (2003) and Momsplaining with Kristen Bell (2018). He is married to Lorie Lassner. They have three children.

Who is Andy Fish wife? ›

Personal life. Fish lives in Worcester, MA with his wife and fellow artist Veronica Fish. Andy and Veronica Fish also maintain a studio space in Nagoya, Japan. The two met at The Worcester Art Museum and after years of being friends they were married on a private beach in Wellfleet, Massachusetts.

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