Ex-MasterChef judges Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan ‘dropped’ by Channel Seven

Channel Seven has reportedly parted ways with former MasterChef Australia judges Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan.

The two hosts’ contracts with the network have lapsed without being ­renewed, reports The Australian’s Media Diary.

Preston and Mehigan were allegedly on deals worth more than $1million per year.

During their time with the network, the pair filmed just one cooking show, Plate of Origin.

Just 335,000 people tuned in to watch the finale, raking in the worst ratings of the entire season.

According to Woman’s Day, Seven was forced to ‘pay out’ Preston, Mehigan and their co-host Manu Feildel, – who were all reportedly on three-season deals.

Moving on: The network’s contracts with the pair have quietly lapsed without being ­renewed, The Australian reported. Pictured Gary Mehigan

‘All three of them signed on for three seasons of Plate of Origin,’ the insider said.

‘Seven really thought the comeback would have delivered a loyal audience, so the figure was no small number.

‘But due to the lacklustre ratings and with no other cooking shows in the pipeline, Seven are now in the process of paying them out of their contracts and are keen to forget it ever happened.’

Appearances: During their time with the network, the pair filmed just one cooking show, Plate of Origin alongside Manu Feildel

Seven’s Plate of Origin saw 10 teams from different countries compete in a World Cup-style culinary battle.

The countries represented in the competition included Australia, Cameroon, China, France, Greece, Italy, India, Lebanon, Venezuela and Vietnam.

The show’s premiere received mixed reviews, with many calling it a ‘boring’ cross between My Kitchen Rules and MasterChef.

Unsuccessful: According to Woman’s Day, Seven was forced to ‘pay out’ the hosts – who were all reportedly on three-season deals after the show flopped in the ratings