Poh's big change 'I WANT TO GET MY HANDS DIRTY!'

On the cusp of 50, the beloved MasterChef star opens up about starting over on the dating scene and her brand-new reality series 

- Laura Masia

Poh Ling Yeow has never been afraid of giving something a go. As a result, the 49-year-old has carved out a unique place for herself in the TV and culinary industries.

Her food career began with a bang in 2009 when she signed up for the first season of MasterChef Australia. Poh became a massive fan favourite and was runner-up to Julie Goodwin in the finale.

She was immediately offered her own cooking show, Poh's Kitchen, which launched in 2010, and she has since written three best-selling cookbooks and competed in the MasterChef kitchen two more times.

Now she's on to her next venture - hosting Australia, a take on the reality show hosted by Tom Sainsbury and Kimberley Crossman here in New Zealand, where established chefs try to recreate popular snacks.

While it's different to anything she's ever done, Poh is excited about her new gig.

"There's definitely a gap in the market for a fun food show that doesn't take itself too seriously," she says.

"I love the fact that it's just family fun. Food can so easily go the other way, where it's not Snackmasters accessible to most people. There can be a little bit of snobbery, so I love that it's something everyone can relate to.