A former NRL player and some 'feisty' cousins: Meet the MKR 2025 contestants.

Brace yourselves because My Kitchen Rules is officially back.

Our favourite culinary icons Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge have returned as co-hosts and judges to discover Australia's top home culinary talent. This year, the show promises real kitchens, real stories, and unforgettable flavours as it does what it does best — celebrate the heart of home cooking.

Here's a sneak peek at the teams ready to cook their way to the top this year. 

Meet the My Kitchen Rules 2024 contestants.

Justin and Will.

Image: Channel Seven

These two best mates from New South Wales are a force to be reckoned with. United by their shared passions for food, fitness, and fatherhood, they bring a serious competitive streak to the kitchen. Justin, a gym owner, is inspired by his South African roots. 

Will, a former NRL player for the Wests Tigers and Sydney Roosters, brings his love for Tongan-inspired dishes to the table. They describe their dynamic as a brotherly type of relationship, with Will's perfectionism balancing Justin's more rustic, intuitive style.

"Big flavour, honest food that puts a smile on your face — no fuss, just made for feeding real people," Justin said. 

Anne and Maree.

Image: Channel Seven

This Greek mum and daughter duo from Victoria are loud, proud, and the life of the party. More like best friends than mother and daughter, they are bonded by their deep pride in their Greek heritage. 

Anne learned to cook by watching her late mother, whose cooking she describes as "world-class". Maree, a mother of three and an accomplished singer, was also inspired by her mum and her Yia-yia (grandmother). 

Their dream is to turn Anne's late mother's traditional recipes into a cookbook.

Michael and Rielli.

Image: Channel Seven

An "opinionated couple" from Queensland, Michael and Rielli have been together for five years. Michael is a civil engineer with a passion for self-improvement and meat-driven dishes. Rielli, a graphic designer, brings a playful energy and serious baking skills to the mix, and she hopes to launch her own baking business one day.

They balance each other out in the kitchen, with Michael providing the "cool, calm, and collected energy" and Rielli bringing "the finesse and sweet touch".

Maria and Bailey.

Image: Channel Seven

These competitive "boss friends" from South Australia are ready to try their hand at anything.

Maria, who is from Greece, runs her own cookie and brownie baking business and taught herself to cook by watching old Greek cooking shows. Bailey, a former ballet dancer who now runs a bodybuilding federation, is a confident and driven individual who is newer to cooking, with Maria teaching him the ropes. 

Their team dynamic is a mix of "chaos and control," with Maria firmly in charge in the kitchen.

Lol and Lil.

Image: Channel Seven

Besties from Queensland, Lol and Lil have been friends since they were babies. These vibrant home cooks bring sparkling energy and a perfect balance of "sugar and spice" to MKR. Lol learned to cook from her grandma, while Lil's passion for cooking grew as she got older from watching cooking shows. 

They describe their team dynamic as "fun and chaotic in the best way," and have named their Instant Restaurant "Sugar, Spice & Everything Nice".

Mel and Jacinta.

Image: Channel Seven

Feisty cousins from New South Wales, Mel and Jacinta are here to stir the pot. With Jacinta's background in nutritional medicine and Mel's love for comforting classics, they're on a mission to prove that healthy cooking can be both delicious and affordable. Their cooking style is wholesome and creative, blending bold flavours with healthy ingredients. 

Mel describes their team dynamic as "fun, a little chaotic in the best way, and genuinely supportive," while Jacinta calls Mel the "calm, strategic one" who keeps them on track.

Feature Image: Seven.