Preston: A Career in Culinary Journalism and Television
From the fast-paced world of UK magazine publishing to becoming one of Australia's most recognizable culinary faces, Preston has built a multifaceted career spanning journalism, television judging, and food criticism. With a professional journey that bridges the gap between print media and reality TV, he has spent decades shaping how Australians perceive and experience gastronomy.
Key Facts
- MasterChef Australia: Served as a judge and co-host for the first eleven series (2009–2019).
- Print Reach: His weekly national food column reaches over 2.9 million Australians via NewsCorp metro newspapers.
- Journalistic Roots: Began his career with City Limits and IPC Magazines before relocating to Australia in 1993.
- Award-Winning TV: Co-judged multiple Logie-winning seasons of MasterChef Australia and an AACTA-winning season of MasterChef Australia: The Professionals.
- Diverse Media: Has held senior editorial roles at delicious. and Vogue Entertaining & Travel.
Early Career and Transition to Australia
Preston's professional trajectory began in the United Kingdom, where he worked for City Limits and IPC Magazines, specifically contributing to TVTimes and What's on TV. In October 1993, he relocated to Australia, initially serving as the Australian TV correspondent for IPC Magazines. During this period, he focused on popular soap operas such as Neighbours and Home and Away.
He expanded his portfolio by writing for various trade publications under Reed Business Publishing, including Encore, Supermarket News, and Counterpoint. By 1996, he transitioned into the world of reviews for Inside Melbourne, eventually moving to The Age in February 2000.
The Evolution of a Food Critic
Preston established himself as a premier food correspondent, contributing to a wide array of high-profile publications. He became a staple of Epicure between 2000 and 2009, where he authored a weekly review of cafes and restaurants. His work also appeared in Taste (a Herald Sun supplement), The Courier-Mail, The Daily Telegraph, and the UK's The Guardian and Time Out (London).
His influence in print extended to senior editorial positions at delicious. and Vogue Entertaining & Travel, as well as serving as a drink reviewer for Australian Good Taste. Today, he continues to influence the culinary scene through a weekly column in Stellar magazine and The Adelaide Advertiser.
MasterChef Australia and Television Success
In 2009, Preston entered the public eye as a judge on MasterChef Australia alongside Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris. Over eleven seasons, the show became a cultural phenomenon, winning the TV Week Logie for Australia's Best Reality Series for its second, third, and eleventh seasons.
Beyond the main competition, Preston judged Celebrity MasterChef Australia (2009), Junior MasterChef Australia (2010), and MasterChef Australia All-Stars (2012). In 2013, he hosted MasterChef Australia: The Professionals with Marco Pierre White, a series that earned the AACTA for Best Reality Show in 2014.
His tenure on the show was not without controversy. Following public comments regarding Marco Pierre White's son, Marco Pierre White Jr, a rift formed between Preston and White. This tension led White to stop guest appearances after the eighth season and join a rival program, Hell's Kitchen Australia. Preston eventually left MasterChef Australia in 2019 after Network 10 did not meet the pay demands of the judging trio.
Broadening the Television Portfolio
Following his departure from Network 10, Preston joined Manu Feildel and Gary Mehigan for the Seven Network show Plate of Origin in 2020. In 2022, he joined My Kitchen Rules as a judge and co-host, replacing Pete Evans alongside Manu Feildel and Nigella Lawson.
Preston has also explored entertainment and variety television. He appeared as "The Gnome" on the fourth season of The Masked Singer Australia in 2022 and competed in the twentieth season of Dancing with the Stars Australia in 2023, though he had to withdraw early due to an ankle injury.
Professional Summary
| Category | Key Roles / Publications | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Television | MasterChef Australia, My Kitchen Rules, Plate of Origin | Logie and AACTA Award wins |
| Print Media | The Age (Epicure), delicious., Stellar, Vogue Entertaining & Travel | Reach of 2.9 million weekly readers |
| Industry Leadership | Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, World's Best 50 Restaurants | Creative Director (2004–2009) |
| Radio | ABC Radio Melbourne | Saturday Mornings presenter (2022-2024) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long was Preston a judge on MasterChef Australia?
Preston judged the first eleven series of MasterChef Australia, spanning from 2009 to 2019.
What other food shows has Preston appeared on after MasterChef?
He has appeared on Plate of Origin and served as a judge and co-host on the twelfth season of My Kitchen Rules.
Which print publications has Preston written for?
He has contributed to The Age (specifically Epicure), delicious., Taste, Stellar, The Adelaide Advertiser, The Guardian (UK), and Time Out (London), among others.
Why did Preston leave MasterChef Australia in 2019?
Preston, along with fellow judges Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris, left the show after Network 10 failed to meet their pay rise demands.
Has Preston done any work in radio?
Yes, he was a presenter for Saturday Mornings on ABC Radio Melbourne from 2022 to 2024.