Network Ten and Multi Channel Network (MCN) have announced a record number of partners for the 10th season of MasterChef Australia.

This year Ten has the support of returning principal partner Coles and partners Harvey Norman, Cadbury, Holden, Cobram Estate, Diageo, a2 Milk, Jacob’s Creek, and Bulla.

Other partners for 2018 include Ardmona, Canstar, SATC, and Swisse Wellness.

Furthermore, judges Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris are back in the MasterChef kitchen, along with guest chefs including Maggie Beer, Curtis Stone, Adriano Zumbo, Darren Purchese, Kristen Tibballs, domestic goddess Nigella Lawson, and – for the first time – Gordon Ramsay.

Other highlights of MasterChef this year will include a challenge featuring Melbourne Football Club, a week exploring picturesque South Australia and, for an incredibly lucky group of contestants, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cook for Prince Charles in Darwin.

Network Ten’s executive general manager of revenue and client partnerships, Rod Prosser, said: “As it enters its 10th season, MasterChef Australia remains one of the most premium and brand-safe programs on Australian television; a program that consistently delivers strong results for our partners.

“Viewers have loved MasterChef Australia since the first day it went to air, and this year’s season will delight and surprise them.

“We are honoured to have such a stellar line-up of partners in 2018 – in particular, Coles, which has been with MasterChef Australia since the start and has been an amazing supporter of the show and Network Ten.”

The new season of MasterChef premieres at 7.30pm on Monday 7 May.