(Photography: Seven)
While My Kitchen Rules 2025 is coming to an end, casting for 2026 is just getting started, and they’re looking for great home cooks with charisma to join the show for next season.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to be Australia’s next MKR star, take note before submitting the application form.
We’ve spoken to Joe Herdman, executive producer at ITV Studios Australia, and he’s revealed the most common mistakes people make during their applications and auditions, and what you should do to stand out from the crowd.
What’s the most common mistake people make when applying?
According to Joe, the most common mistake applicants make is “Being too formal.” While that might seem surprising, considering most interviews require formalities, they want to see who you are beyond all that; after all, it is a reality TV show, and a great personality is key.
“Be fun and engaging to capture our attention. It’s also a team competition, so bounce off each other so we can see your relationship. If we like you, we will come to your house and film a home audition where we see you cook, but you’ve got to engage us first in order for us to see what you are capable of in the kitchen,” Joe said.
Another essential before applying is that you need to be a good cook. After all, your personality will only get you so far in a cooking competition.
“The cooks come first; it’s a lot of fun, but it’s a tough competition. If the contestant teams aren’t confident in their home cooking ability, then their great personalities will struggle to shine through in the programme. We want to make an entertaining and engaging show, and to do so the cast becomes building blocks in the casting process,” Joe said.
The dynamic of your team is also crucial to casting success. “A MKR team dynamic is crucial. There has to be chemistry, but chemistry can come in a variety of ways – a best mate dynamic is very different from a dad and daughter dynamic, but both relationships can be equally as important,” Joe said.
“You have to be true to your personality and your relationship. Don’t force it. If it’s genuine, it will be obvious to the casting producers and, therefore, a potential audience. So, it is important to pair up with the right person.”
How can you stand out during casting?
“That’s the million-dollar question,” Joe said. “Confidence is key; if you are confident in your cooking ability and confident in who you are as a person, then we want to hear from you. A twinkle in the eye and a sense of humour go a long way too!”
But never forget to “just be yourself and don’t worry about it. When a casting producer calls you, have fun with them, enjoy your chat and be honest. Think of it as if you were just having a chat with someone at a pub.”
How to apply for MKR 2026?
We’ve broken down how to apply for My Kitchen Rules 2026 here. The casting process takes about three to four months, so be patient!
My Kitchen Rules grand final is on this Sunday on Seven and 7plus.
