Robert Irwin defends MasterChef guest judge spot after viewers complain

The 22-year-old explained why he was going on the show after fans questioned his qualifications to be a guest judge.

(Channel 10/@robertirwinphotography)

Robert Irwin has explained why he appeared on Channel 10’s MasterChef as a guest judge, amid concerns about his suitability for the show.

The 22-year-old was on the final episode of the competition’s Aussie Classics Week, and he brought his legendary energy and pizzazz that left smiles on the contestants’ faces.

He challenged the cooks to make a dish featuring native ingredients such as lilly pilly, finger limes, Davidson plums (also known as ooray), lemon myrtle, wattleseed and river mint.

But many viewers wondered why a self-described wildlife warrior, who has spent most of his life wrestling crocodiles, photographing animals, and, more recently, winning a major dancing competition, was brought in to judge food.

But before the episode aired, Robert explained why he felt he had the qualifications to be a part of the Channel 10 program.

“I’m here to talk about sustainable cooking, Aussie ingredients, and how our journey at Crocodile Hunter Lodge’s Warrior Restaurant has sparked a love for great cooking,” he said online.

The Warrior Restaurant and Bar, part of Australia Zoo’s accommodation, opened in 2022, with Terri, Bindi and Robert heavily promoting the restaurant’s opening.

The seasonal menu showcases native and local ingredients such as damper, finger lime, sustainably sourced snapper and Sunshine Coast black garlic.

Not only that, but the 22-year-old has spoken before about whipping up meals in the kitchen.

“I love cooking,” he told PEOPLE.

“And I love cooking for people. That’s one of my favourite things. I’m no incredible fancy chef, but I will go to great lengths to either grow my own produce or find the best freshest produce and just cook something super nutritious, super fresh.”

Viewers divided over Robert Irwin’s MasterChef appearance

When his episode aired on Wednesday night, viewers flooded social media to express their reactions to Robert’s guest-judge spot.

“Rob seems like a genuine bloke and great on other TV shows, but he has no business being on MasterChef,” one said.

“I don’t mind Robert Irwin in other contexts, but he just… particularly doesn’t sit right with me for MasterChef,” another added.

“Genuine question… Robert Irwin isn’t known for his food prowess, so why is he a judge today,” a third wrote.

“I’m very unenthused about Robert Irwin. Just them rolling out another channel 10 celebrity with nothing to do with cooking,” commented another.

It’s not the first time MasterChef has come under fire for its choice of guest judges, with influencer Lily Huynh facing similar questions about suitability.

But judge Andy Allen has said that having big names with food knowledge who might not be chefs is a massive drawcard for viewers.

He was proven right as plenty of fans were thrilled to see Robert on their telly last night.

“Robert Irwin made a surprisingly good judge. We all knew he had charm and charisma, but I didn’t know he was a foodie who could give detailed, sensible critiques of a dish. Good for him,” one said.

“He was surprisingly so good to watch and listen to. He was super authentic and knew what he was talking about. I didn’t realise he had a restaurant,” another wrote.

“Wow, I didn’t know Robert knew so much about food,” a third added.

Robert inspires MasterChef contestant

The episode revealed that not only did Robert know a lot about food, but that he actually inspired one of the contestants to learn more about native ingredients before he even stepped into the kitchen.

Vinnie Gibaldi told the wildlife warrior that he grew up watching Robert on TV.

He was so swept away by Robert’s sustainability message that many years ago he picked up a book on native plants and ingredients..

“I used to go for walks along the river track and look at all these things. And now it’s good that I actually get to cook them for you, it’s pretty cool,” Vinnie said.

Robert was incredibly touched by the sentiment, calling it “awesome”.

Judge Poh Ling Yeow said it was a “full circle moment”.