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Former MasterChef judge George Calombaris breaks his silence on Channel Ten's newly revamped cooking show as it dominates ratings

Published: 10:21 EDT, 15 April 2020 | Updated: 18:44 EDT, 15 April 2020

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George Calombaris is the first former MasterChef judge to break his silence since the newly revamped series has been on air.

On Tuesday, the ousted celebrity judge surprised his 446,000 Instagram followers when he praised the cooking competition after the show's grand debut on Monday night.

'OMG. A massive result last night on MC12 launch night,' he wrote underneath a photo of this year's returning contestants.

What a guy! George Calombaris is the first former MasterChef judge to break his silence since the newly revamped series has been on air. On Tuesday, the ousted celebrity judge surprised his 446,000 Instagram followers when he praised the cooking competition after the show's grand debut on Monday night

'OMG. A massive result last night on MC12 launch night,' he wrote underneath a photo of this year's returning contestants

The 41-year-old, who was judge on the series between 2009 and 2019, continued: 'Congrats to Channel 10, Endemol Shine Australia, all the awesome crew, the contestants and the new judges. Well done!'

Returning chef Hayden Quinn, who appeared on season three, was quick to comment on the post, writing: 'What a night mate! Haha I needed a hug! Thanks for all the support'.

Contestant Khan Ong also commented: 'Love you to pieces,' along with a series of blowing-kiss emojis.

Returning chef Hayden Quinn, who appeared on season three, was quick to comment on the post, writing: 'What a night mate! Haha I needed a hug! Thanks for all the support'.

Fellow celebrity chef Curtis Stone, who will appear as a celebrity judge later in the season, also commented on his Instagram post, writing: 'George, you're an absolute gentleman,' alongside the hashtags 'humble' and 'gracious'.

MasterChef Australia: Back to Win seems to have all the right ingredients this year, topping the TV ratings for two consecutive nights.

Tuesday's episode of the hit Channel Ten cooking series pulled in almost 1.1 million viewers, with only Seven News and Nine News beating the program.

The perfect recipe! Tuesday night's episode saw 1,094,000 viewers tuning in across the country Pictured, (L-R) new judges Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo

It followed a strong premiere episode on Monday night, which saw new judges Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo take over from former judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston.

Monday's episode also marked the highest ratings premiere for the show in five years.

MasterChef: Back To Win continues Thursday at 7.30pm on Channel Ten

End of an era: It followed a strong premiere episode on Monday night, which saw new judges Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo taking over from former judges Gary Mehigan (left), George Calombaris (middle) and Matt Preston (right)