Network Ten has today confirmed MasterChef Australia season eight will premiere on Sunday, 1 May, at 7.30pm.

The announcement comes after Seven this morning confirmed the MKR finale will be broadcast on Tuesday 26th April. Ten has been in a holding pattern in recent weeks, suffering from low ratings but not wanting to launch Masterchef until MKR was gone from the schedule.

The confirmation of an airdate will  be well recieved by Masterchef fans whom have been enduring 'coming soon' promos for the last 2 months.

Ten is promising the new season of Masterchef will "bring more amazing food, remarkable stories, inspirational contestants and incredible results."

Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan are back in the kitchen, helping contestants turn their dreams into reality.Celebrated chef Shannon Bennett returns as guest mentor this series, guiding the home cooks through testing times.

Season eight of MasterChef Australia also boasts some of Australia’s and the world’s best chefs including domestic goddess Nigella Lawson, Heston Blumenthal, Marco Pierre White, Curtis Stone, Maggie Beer, Kylie Kwong and Luke Nguyen, to name just a few.

MasterChef Australia premieres on TEN on Sunday, 1 May, at 7.30pm and continues Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7.30pm.