Applications open for the new season of My Kitchen Rules - as Manu Feildel confirms he will return as a judge with an 'international' name in 2022 By Abi Moustafa For Daily Mail Australia Published: 23:19 GMT, 10 January 2022 | Updated: 23:21 GMT, 10 January 2022 Viewcomments Applications have officially opened for this year's season of My Kitchen Rules. Aspiring cooks are encouraged to apply for the Channel Seven series in which teams go head to head in the state-by-state competition. 'I’m very excited to return to the head of the table and share my passion for food with you all,' returning judge Manu Feildel said in a statement. Opportunity: Applications have officially opened for this year's season of My Kitchen Rules. Manu Feildel (pictured) has confirmed he 'is very excited' to return as a judge in 2022 'I can't wait to be back in Australian homes again, meeting more incredible home cooks and sharing their food dreams,' he added. The popular cooking show, which sees everyday Australians showcase their culinary skills, will return to screens at some stage this year, but no official date has been set. News of the program's return comes after longtime judge Manu revealed in December he would be back in the hot seat. However, the 47-year-old French chef admitted he was 'sad' to no longer be working with his disgraced former co-star Pete Evans. He's back: Manu Feildel (right) will return to My Kitchen Rules as a judge in 2022 Bittersweet: News of the program's return comes after longtime judge Manu revealed in December he would be back in the hot seat. However, the 47-year-old French chef admitted he was 'sad' to no longer be working with his disgraced former co-star Pete Evans (left) He told The Daily Telegraph: 'I am a little sad I suppose. Pete and I are great mates and nothing has changed there. 'We have worked together for a very long time and I love the guy. The fact he won't be sitting next to me is not my choice. 'I am not sure yet who will be joining me. There have been some international names floating around.' International judges? 'I am not sure yet who will be joining me. There have been some international names floating around,' said Manu (pictured with MKR co-star Colin Fassnidge) In May 2020 it was announced that Pete, 48, had parted ways with Channel Seven after 10 years as a judge on MKR alongside Manu. The decision to release him from his $800,000 contract was reportedly a cost-cutting measure; however, his unscientific and debunked public statements on vaccines and Covid were also becoming a PR headache for the network. MKR had once been a ratings juggernaut for Seven, but its popularity nosedived in recent years as viewers flocked to Channel Nine's Married At First Sight instead. My Kitchen Rules will return to Channel Seven and 7Plus later this year Coming soon: My Kitchen Rules will return to Channel Seven and 7Plus later this year Read more: Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility