The latest season of the popular reality cooking show My Kitchen Rules kicks off on September 1, 2025, with contestants vying for a grand prize of $100,000. Among the teams is a mother-and-daughter duo, Anne Ioannou, aged 66, and her 42-year-old daughter Maree Ioannou, who plan to showcase their rich Greek heritage through family recipes passed down through generations.
Equipped with a treasured hand-written recipe book, Anne and Maree aim to impress judges Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge with dishes that reflect their family traditions. While some contestants focus on elegant a la carte degustation menus, Anne pointed out that their meals will embody the generous portions typical of their Greek upbringing.
“Remember we’re Greek, so on our plates there’s a lot of food,” Anne said. “For the others, it’s like, ‘where’s the rest of it?'” She acknowledged the vibrant colors and unique flavors presented by other contestants, appreciating the culinary diversity, but emphasized the importance of heartiness in their meals.
Since its inception in 2010 on the Seven Network, My Kitchen Rules has invited teams of two—friends, family, and colleagues—to transform their homes into “instant restaurants.” Contestants take turns serving their best dishes while navigating various cooking challenges.
Anne’s recipe book holds sentimental value, featuring the culinary artistry of her late mother, affectionately known as Yia Yia, the Greek word for grandmother. “You can still see her little fingerprints on all the pages where she was cooking,” she shared. “I just cherish that book, and all in there is my mum.” The pair hopes to honor Yia Yia’s legacy by sharing her cherished recipes with a broader audience.
The pressures of the competition are palpable, especially considering the intense heat and challenges of cooking in an environment where every mistake is captured on camera. Maree expressed the authenticity of their experience, stating, “What you see is the real deal, the sweat, the tears, the heat… everything that happened is legit.” She emphasized that there were no makeup teams present, underscoring the raw reality of cooking under pressure.
After two unsuccessful attempts to participate in MKR over the past decade, life circumstances, including Maree’s growing family, delayed their dream. Unfortunately, Yia Yia passed away before witnessing her granddaughters on the show, but they carry her spirit with them. “We know she would be proud,” they remarked.
While the outcome of their culinary efforts remains undisclosed, the duo hopes to leverage their experience to publish Yia Yia’s recipes, allowing others to enjoy the love and connection that food brings. “Food on the table, family together, sharing: it’s just love,” Anne stated, with Maree adding that food fosters connection within their family.
As My Kitchen Rules prepares to unveil this season’s contestants, only the strongest teams will advance to Kitchen HQ, where one will claim the coveted title of MKR champions. The show promises to deliver not only competition but also the heartwarming stories that accompany food and family. Tune in on Monday, September 1, 2025, at 19:30 on the Seven Network to witness the culinary journey of Anne and Maree Ioannou.
