'MasterChef Australia' host axed

Sarah Wilson, the host of MasterChef Australia, has been axed from the series after just one season.

Producers have decided to scrap the idea of a host and will revert to the UK version where judges George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston will guide contestants through the series.

On her axing, the former editor of Australian Cosmopolitan magazine said: "It's a wonderful, enriching honour to have been part of MasterChef, a show that's shifted television in such an uplifting and inclusive way. I applaud Ten for bringing the show to Australian screens in the first place, and for making the difficult decision regarding my role.

"I'm incredibly grateful to have played a founding role in the 'MasterChef effect', as it's been dubbed, and will be bringing the same positive dynamic to my next project."

Channel Ten chief programming officer David Mott added: "Sarah Wilson has been an invaluable member of the MasterChef Australia team and she will be missed.

"This decision has been a hard one to make but it became clear the appropriate role for Sarah was not achievable without dramatically changing the format.

"Sarah has an impressive background with abilities that far outweighed her duties on the show. All parties agree another series that limited her input and expertise was not the best outcome."

Celebrity MasterChef will premiere in Australia on September 30, while the second season of MasterChef Australia will return to screens in April.