WITH MASTERCHEF BOMBSHELL SOFIA!

THE TODAY HOST WAS HUNGRY TO GET TO KNOW THE FOOD BLOGGER TURNED JUDGE

MasterChef Australia has returned for another season. And if Karl Stefanovic happens to be tuning in, he'll be seeing a very familiar face on his screen.

Indeed, his one-time 'crush', Sofia Levin, is part of the cooking show's new judging lineup alongside Poh Ling Yeow, Jean-Christophe Novelli and returning favourite Andy Allen.

Although this is Sofia's first big TV gig, the Melbourne-based food journalist is no stranger to rubbing shoulders with celebrities, Karl, 49, being one of them.

The pair met and became friendly in September 2016 after Sofia appeared on Today alongside celebrity chef Luke Mangan. Karl was newly single following his split from first wife Cassandra Thorburn.

Karl and Sofia, 35, enjoyed many outings together. They even attended what appeared to be a party at James Packer’s Bondi Beach apartment that November, with Karl and Sofia arriving together in his Mercedes.

At the time, an insider told New Idea that Karl was captivated by Sofia’s “dazzling smile, quick wit and charm”.