Former MasterChef hosts Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan have made a dramatic return to the spotlight, less than a month after their very public axing from the long-running cooking show.

After more than a decade at Channel 10, it was revealed on Wednesday night that the food critic and chef are jumping ship to rival network Seven to front up a brand new program, Plate Of Origin.

My Kitchen Rules’ Manu Feildel was announced as the final member of the hosting trio at Channel Seven's Upfronts presentation, making it very clear that Matt and Gary’s controversial co-host George Calombaris was not part of their ‘package deal’.

View photos Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan have jumped ship to Channel 7 for Plate Of Origin. Photo: Channel 7. More

Where’s George?

When Seven later shared the news on their social media accounts, George’s absence - and Manu’s substitution - was not lost on fans who were quick to point it out in the comments.

“I think...Manu ate George!!!” laughed one.

“George looks different,” added another sarcastically.

The chef and restauranteur himself has since addressed the apparent snub on his own Instagram page, congratulating the three hosts on their new roles.

“Congrats great men @mattscravat @garymehigan @manufeildelofficial on your new show. I wish all the best. Another opportunity to put joy and happiness into peoples lives. GC,” he wrote.

Others took the opportunity to pan Plate Of Origin at the outset, with one calling it a ‘dud’ and another saying that they’re ‘sick of food shows’.

“Another one, yuk,” commented one.

“No thanx!” said another.

One added, “Kind of sick of food shows,” while another wrote, “double yawn”.

“Another dud show on 7. F#%&in try hards,” slammed one.

Another viewer took issue with the French member of the panel, writing, “Manu lost me a long time back. Sold his soul for MKR”.

View photos Matt and Gary have parted ways with fellow MasterChef host, George Calombaris. Photo: Instagram/GaryMehigan. More

Matt and Gary’s ‘gardening leave’

While Manu was on hand at the event to spruik the show, new imports Matt and Gary were nowhere to be seen, forcing Seven to use a composite image of the three men for the presentation.

According to the network, the pair are ‘on gardening leave,’ suggesting that they are still under contract with their former employer, 10, and are legally prohibited from working with a competitor until their notice period expires.

Seven attempted to make light of the awkward moment on the night by superimposing gardening gloves and potted plants on Matt and Gary’s hands.

“Nice photoshop attempt,” one viewer joked over on Facebook.

Another pointed out that the show’s tagline may have been lifted from another cooking program.

“Isn't which cuisine will reign supreme an Iron Chef saying?” the eagle-eyed fan questioned.

Others were excited for Plate Of Origin, with one writing, “Yes, exciting” and another adding, “Can’t wait”.

“Looks like it might work,” said one.

View photos New hosts Gary, Manu and Matt buddied up back in 2018. Photo: Getty Images. More