Victoria, 43, Dentist 

Matthew Hopcraft is not always a big goal setter or planner, preferring to take hold of life’s opportunities as they come. Right now, he is grasping hold of MasterChef Australia with both hands.

Matthew’s love of food and cooking was fostered by his parents from a young age. When he was around 11 years old he won first prize at a country show with a sponge cake. The prize was mixing bowls and measuring cups.

Husband to Erika and devoted dad to Emily, 14, and Lachlan, 12, Matthew graduated as a dentist in 1994. He also has a PhD and a Master’s degree in community dentistry and has worked for the past 20 years as a dentist.