It’s official, after serving as judges onMasterchefsince the show first aired back in 2009, Network 10 today has confirmed that Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris will all be exiting the series.

In a statement toMamamia,Network 10 chief executive officer Paul Anderson confirmed that the exit of the high-profile judges was due to failed negotiations that have been happening behind-the-scenes of the highly-rated competitive cooking show.

“Despite months of negotiation, 10 has not been able to reach a commercial agreement that was satisfactory to Matt, Gary and George,” he said.

“Across 11 sensational seasons, has established itself as one of the most popular and respected cooking television series around the world.

“For more than a decade, the iconic series has shaped and driven the Australian public’s passion for food and cooking, delivered iconic television moments, and made the culinary dreams of everyday home cooks come true. “

Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan are all leaving MasterChef Australia. Source: Getty.

He went on to thank the judges for their commitment to the TV series since they first appeared on our screens back in 2009.

“We would like to thank Gary, George and Matt for their contribution over the past 11 years,” Mr Anderson continued in his statement.

“has always been about ordinary Australians doing extraordinary things for the love of food and we believe it is very important to continue that ethos.

“Australia is full of remarkable cooking talent and we can’t wait to introduce another group – and the next generation of exceptional judges – in season 12 ofnext year."

Since the announcement, all three judges have shared their own personal statements in regards to the news.

"We were close to signing a new contract for season 12 however the dates just didn’t align," George Calombaris wrote on Instagram. "Channel Ten, thank you for providing us the platform to change the landscape of food worldwide."

Matt Preston shared the same photo on Instagram, writing: "It is with a heavy heart that I can confirm that season 11 was our last. We were really keen to continue but we were unable to agree to all terms for the new contract."

"We have met some beautiful people, discovered and guided some of the brightest up-and-comers in the Australian food scene, worked with the best chefs in the world in front of the camera, and with the TV industry’s finest professionals behind the scenes."

Judge Gary Mehigan also shared a statement on Facebook, adding: "It was time to move on, have more free time to explore our own creativity. It was never about the money and never will be about the money. We couldn't agree on the term of the new contract for 2020. Something we felt very strongly about."

The news of the judge's departure comes after the highly publicised case of George Calombaris not adequately paying his staff at his Made Establishment restaurants.

An investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman found he underpaid staff by nearly $8 million, following the company self-reporting to the Fair Work Ombudsman in 2017. They subsequently back paid 515 current and former employees $7.83 million and a further $16,371 was back paid to nine employees of Jimmy Grants.

Calombaris apologised for the underpayment, saying: “It is our people that make our restaurants great, and it is our priority to ensure all of our employees feel respected, rewarded and supported in their roles.”

During the media coverage around the underpaying of his, Network 10 confirmed that they were standing by theMasterChefjudge, saying in a statement to SBS: “George and Made Establishment have reached an agreement with the Fair Work Ombudsman in relation to this matter. George has the support of Network 10. We will not be making any further comment.”

Masterchef is undoubtedly one of Australia's most popular TV franchises and spawned four spin-off shows includingCelebrity MasterChef Australia,Junior MasterChef AustraliaandMasterChef Australia All-Stars, which featured returning contestants from the first three seasons of the show.

Season 11 ofMasterChef Australiais currently airing on Network Ten and the Grand Finale will air tonight at 7.30pm. The show will return in 2020 with presumably a whole new judging panel.