MasterChef Season 12 - Details We Know So Far

Since first debuting in the United Kingdom in 1990, "MasterChef" has become an international sensation, now containing over 500 seasons of culinary excellence from around the world. This show has proven to be incredibly important for reality television, as it has led to other treats for foodies (and, well, anyone who eats food), like "The Great British Bake Off," as BBC reported. For those who may be unfamiliar with the American version of the show, acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs Gordon Ramsay, Aarón Sánchez, and Joe Bastianich put talented home cooks through a series of challenges until they crown the winner who earns the title of "MasterChef" and a monetary grand prize, according to Fox.

If anything, "MasterChef" has tapped into the emotional side of food and how making food for others is an act of love. "People really want to show off their food," "MasterChef" executive producer, David Ambler, told The Guardian. "You could say 'it's only cooking' but the amazing thing about food is that everyone's food story is unique to them and that's something the audience relates to. Food is incredibly emotionally powerful ... if you lose touch with relatives or your grandmother dies ... these things live on and are passed down through our food. So it is laden with emotional resonance, even though it's something seemingly so simple and so every day."

In August, Fox announced that the 12th season of "MasterChef" would be coming at some point soon, though no official date was set, according to Deadline. Previous seasons of the show have typically debuted in the summer months, as epguides reported, so it's likely that fans can look forward to seeing the 12th season of the show at some point this summer.

Deadline also reported that all three judges — Gordon Ramsay, Aarón Sánchez, and Joe Bastianich — will be returning to "MasterChef" in its 12th season. Ramsay will be especially busy in the coming years, as he has recently partnered with Fox Entertainment to develop and produce culinary and lifestyle entertainment for Fox and other markets through Studio Ramsay Global. "Obviously, Gordon is a good friend and, given the recent launch of Studio Ramsay Global, an important part of Fox's programming and growth strategy," Rob Wade, president of alternative entertainment and specials at Fox Entertainment, said in a statement, according to Deadline. "'MasterChef,' Gordon, Aarón and Joe, and our fantastic partners at ESNA, have been vital to Fox's DNA. Even in its eleventh season, this show continues to impress by sustaining Fox's success on Wednesdays this Summer. We anticipate this momentum to continue next year when 'MasterChef' returns for a much deserved Season 12."

In the 11th season of the show, which just premiered in the summer of 2021, physical therapist Kelsey Murphy won the grand prize and title of "MasterChef." For the first time, the final three contestants on "MasterChef" were all women — Murphy, bartender Autumn Moretti, and food blogger Suu Khin, according to the Indy Star. "Even 10 months later I still find it hard to grasp as reality," Murphy captioned a photo of herself with Moretti and Khin in an Instagram post. "I chose this cover photo specifically because it was such an honor to compete alongside these incredible women. @burmalicious_by_suu and @kittyautumn you both pushed me to be the best I could be, and I am so grateful for your continued support as we all work to advance our careers! The show may be over, but the journey is just beginning."

According to ScreenRant, other notable winners from previous seasons of "MasterChef" includes Christine Ha, who crafted impeccable dishes despite being blind; Dino Angelo Luciano, whose quirky personality and outfit choices also won over viewers; and Shaun O'Neale, a humble and sweet DJ who quickly won over audience members and cast members in future seasons of the show.

While the 12th season's contestants have yet to be announced, audiences can expect charming, quirky, and inspiring home chefs assembled by the show's stellar casting department.

On Monday, authorities in Spain reported that former "MasterChef Celebrity Spain" contestant Verónica Forqué was found dead in her home. A police spokesman said that the 66-year-old former actress and reality television contestant committed suicide, according to The Local. Last month, Forqué quit "MasterChef Celebrity Spain," explaining to the public that she had been struggling to overcome mental and physical health issues. "Due to life circumstances. I couldn't take it anymore. My body said enough," Forqué said of her exit from the show, per SK Pop.

Prior to appearing on "MasterChef Celebrity Spain," Forqué was a celebrated actress in Spain, having won Best Actress at Spain's Goya Awards for her role in "Kika," according to The Local. Antonio Banderas, who worked alongside Forqué in "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" in 1984, wrote a sweet tribute to the actress on Twitter. "Goodbye Veronica Forqué. I worked with her several years ago and I remember a sweet, spiritual woman and a very good work colleague," Banderas tweeted.

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ at​ 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.