Andy Allen Unveils Game-Changing MasterChef Update

judge has revealed the 'strict' rule change that has completely changed the cooking competition. 

In a new interview, the 37-year-old recalled the show's early days when the cast lived together in one Big Brother-like house.

Andy, who won the 2012 season, said that competitors 'wouldn't cope' now with the intense regulations he was subjected to.

'We talk about it all the time, because it’s very different these days,' he told Pedestrian, adding that his season was the last that used the 'Big Brother' format.

The chef, who , also recalled the many rules that cast members had to observe.

The electrician-turned-restaurateur said that cast members were not allowed to watch TV or use their phones in the house.

'To give you a bit of an insight, when we say you live with the other contestants, we’re talking 24 people that range from the age of around 19 through to the mid-50s,' he said.

'Males, females, all walks of life. Back then it was a lot more strict. 

'So, we literally went from the house to the set and we were bound in those four walls. We weren’t allowed to go out and have dinners.'

Andy said that the rules allowed contestants to immerse themselves in the experience and focus their energies on the competition.

'I don’t think people would cope these days,' he said, adding that it brought the best in the cast and 'sometimes the worst'.

'Now, it is really up to you how much you want to dip your toe in.'

These days, cast members live in an apartment block during filming, with two competitors sharing a room.