Former MasterChef judge George Calombaris says he has ‘hit rock bottom’

Former MasterChef judge George Calombaris says he has ‘hit rock bottom’ but learned from his past mistakes and ready for a ‘new chapter’

George Calombaris has revealed that he’s learned from his mistakes after hitting ‘rock bottom’. 

In an interview with The Herald Sun on Saturday, the 42-year-old said that he is ready for the ‘next chapter’ of his life. 

‘I have hit rock bottom, but I have only written chapter one. Chapter two is ready to be written and I can only learn from my good, bad and ugly,’ he said. 

Moving on: George Calombaris (pictured) has revealed that he’s learned from his mistakes after hitting ‘rock bottom’. In an interview with The Herald Sun on Saturday, the 42-year-old said that he is ready for the ‘next chapter’ of his life

The former MasterChef Australia judged added: ”Hopefully I can be an example, not only to my kids, but to young industry people that these are the lessons that you need to think of.’ 

George has been lending his expertise to charity events – and did hint a return to television could be on the cards.    

In 2019, the chef made headlines after he was found to have underpaid his restaurant staff by nearly $8 million.

New chapter: 'I have hit rock bottom, but I have only written chapter one. Chapter two is ready to be written and I can only learn from my good, bad and ugly,' he said

 New chapter: ‘I have hit rock bottom, but I have only written chapter one. Chapter two is ready to be written and I can only learn from my good, bad and ugly,’ he said

The former TV star was fined $2000,000 for underplaying 515 staff between 2011 and 2017 and will have his business audited for the next three years.  

He was also axed alongside veteran MasterChef co-judges Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston amid the controversy.

‘Despite months of negotiations, Ten has not been able to reach a commercial agreement that was satisfactory to Matt, Gary and George,’ Ten’s CEO Paul Anderson said in a statement in July 2019.

Out: George was axed alongside veteran MasterChef co-judges Gary Mehigan (left) and Matt Preston (centre) amid the controversy. George revealed he is still in touch with his former co-stars. 'We walk and talk, occasionally we exchange cakes we cook at home,' he said

Out: George was axed alongside veteran MasterChef co-judges Gary Mehigan (left) and Matt Preston (centre) amid the controversy. George revealed he is still in touch with his former co-stars. ‘We walk and talk, occasionally we exchange cakes we cook at home,’ he said

George told The Herald Sun that he is still in touch with his former co-stars.    

‘We walk and talk, occasionally we exchange cakes we cook at home. We were in each other’s pockets for 11 years of MasterChef,’ he said. 

New judges Melissa Leong, Andy Allen and Jock Zonfrillo took over the spots, leading to a blockbuster 2020 for the series. 

Past: In 2019, the chef made headlines after he was found to have underpaid his restaurant staff by nearly $8 million

Past: In 2019, the chef made headlines after he was found to have underpaid his restaurant staff by nearly $8 million

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