(Photography: Network 10)
Laura Sharrad has been crowned the winner of MasterChef Australia: Back to Win, and it was so well-deserved. Up against some major competition in Callum Hann, they put up creative, impressive, delicious, and extremely challenging dishes night after night.
From re-creating the incredibly difficult Botanic Garden by chef Miko Aspiras and perfecting a Black 9+ Wagyu sirloin steak, to staying true to her origins and plating up Sicilian arancini and amaretto affogato, she has pushed herself beyond her limits to make it to the end.
“I’m thrilled and completely overwhelmed with joy and pride to finally win the title of MasterChef Australia. It’s a very surreal feeling,” Laura told us in an interview.
“Walking through the doors of the MasterChef kitchen this season, I was so ready and eager to tackle the competition. I felt really confident in myself to make it to the end.”
Laura was previously in seasons 6 and 12 of MasterChef Australia, and she placed 2nd in both. But this time proved to be different because she had her beautiful daughter, Florence, to motivate her, and endless support from her family, friends and the judges.
On Facebook, Laura wrote, “When I was 13 years old, I told my mum that one day I would be on MasterChef Australia. 17 years later, I stand here, achieving my lifelong goal, and finally writing the last chapter to my fairytale ending. My heart is full of love, joy and pride. To my dear friend Callum, thank you for your friendship, your support and for playing the most calculated game.”
“To our wonderful judges; Poh, Sofia, Andy and Jean Christophe -To be guided and supported over this season has been a privilege. Thank you for allowing me to share my food, my soul and my passion. To every crew member, you make this show, and you made this dream a reality. Thank you. To everyone that has ever believed in me, I will forever be grateful. To my family, I love you. Here’s to never giving up on your dreams.”
Motherhood & MasterChef
After becoming a mum in 2024, her decision to return to the kitchen so soon after wasn’t one she made lightly. She wanted to be an example for her daughter, to chase her dreams, and this season, Laura did just that and more.
“Looking back and reflecting on the experience, I feel like I grew the most in a personal sense. Perhaps because I had my daughter Floss [Florence] with me while filming, and I had to be there for her full-time when the cameras weren’t rolling, I really grew as a mum and as an individual.”
Juggling the most important job in the world – being a mother – and arguably the toughest cooking competition is no small feat. But with the support of her husband and fellow chef Max Sharrad, she made her family proud and inspired not only her family, but all of Australia.
What’s next for Laura?
“Life is getting very busy so there are lots of fun jobs and opportunities that are coming up,” Laura said about what dreams she’s chasing next.
“I want to focus my time on writing a book and finding the right publisher to help me share my message and my love of food and hand down recipes to future generations. That’s probably like my biggest project for the moment,” she shared.
