Melissa Leong is back!

Following months of speculation, it has been confirmed that Melissa Leong, best known for her role as a judge on MasterChef Australia from 2020 to 2023, will be competing in the upcoming season of The Amazing Race Australia. The Dessert Masters star will be joined by her close friend Leah Wilson as they take on the globe-trotting adventure.

The full cast for the new season was officially announced on Wednesday, revealing an exciting lineup of celebrities and their loved ones vying for the grand prize of $100,000 for their chosen charities. Hosted by Beau Ryan, this season promises intense challenges and fierce competition as teams race around the world.

Melissa Leong isn't the only high-profile name on the roster either. Among the contestants is SAS Australia’s chief instructor Ant Middleton, who is teaming up with his brother Dan. Also joining the adventure are Below Deck star and I’m A Celebrity finalist Aesha Scott, who will compete alongside her fiancé Scott Dobson. Radio personality and former I’m A Celebrity champion Brendan ‘Fev’ Fevola is set to race with his 18-year-old daughter Leni.

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Reality TV fans will also recognise Big Brother Australia’s original host, Gretel Killeen, who is pairing up with her daughter Epiphany Mason. Killeen’s participation coincides with Channel 10’s highly anticipated reboot of Big Brother, to be hosted by Mel Tracina.

Other notable contestants include:

• Four-time Olympian Bronte Campbell and her fiancé Benfield Lainchbury
• Parkour athlete Dom ‘Tomato’ Di Tommaso and his friend Marx Marsters
• Comedian Ed Kavalee and fitness trainer Tiffiny Hall
• TikTok sensations Luke and ‘Sassy’ Scott O’Halloran
• Model Lindy Klim and her daughter Stella Klim
• Engaged couple Rob Mills and Georgie Tunny
• Comedian Steph Tisdell and her brother Ben Tisdell
• Brothers and actors Stephen Curry and Bernard Curry

Following the announcement, fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the cast, with reactions ranging from excitement to confusion. While some viewers expressed enthusiasm for certain contestants, others questioned the celebrity status of the lineup.

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“Who are half of these so-called celebrities?” one user asked, while another commented, “Not one celebrity in sight, honey.” Others humorously speculated, “Is the celebrity in the room with us?”

Despite some skepticism, there was significant excitement surrounding Luke and Sassy Scott, with many fans already cheering them on as early favourites.

“Team @lukeandsassyscott ❤️ I can’t wait for all the belly laughs from these two,” one supporter wrote. Another added, “@lukeandsassyscott for the win. Luke, you better behave or Sassy will kick your a**.”

Filming for the new season has just begun, meaning viewers will have to wait a few months before they can watch the action unfold. Based on previous seasons, which filmed in May and aired in September, it is likely that the upcoming instalment will follow a similar schedule or potentially premiere earlier due to changes in production timelines.

Images: Network Ten