MasterChef viewers have been sent into a frenzy over growing rumours that contestants Annabel Lloyd and Vinnie Gibaldi may be more than just friends, after a number of on-screen moments and social media clues sparked speculation online.
Although neither Annabel nor Vinnie has publicly responded to the dating rumours, fans are convinced they have spotted enough signs to suggest their close bond may have developed into something romantic.
The latest round of chatter began during Sunday night’s episode, when former MasterChef contestants Sarah Todd and Declan Cleary made a return to the kitchen with their newborn twin daughters, Charlotte and Claudia.
As the couple’s love story was brought up — after they first met on MasterChef: Back To Win before falling in love — Annabel appeared visibly delighted by the sweet connection.
“That is so wild that they were both on Back To Win, met, fell in love and now have twins. That is honestly the cutest thing — the most beautiful story I’ve ever heard,” she said.
However, it was what Annabel said next that quickly had viewers talking.
MasterChef fans are convinced contestants Annabel Lloyd and Vinnie Gibaldi are secretly dating after a series of clues both on and off screen sparked widespread speculation online
The latest wave of speculation was sparked during Sunday’s episode when former contestants Sarah Todd and Declan Cleary returned to the kitchen with their newborn twin daughters, Charlotte and Claudia
“Is there anyone in this competition who could become the next Sarah and Declan? I’m not allowed to say,” Annabel added.
Her teasing remark immediately set fans off, with many rushing to look for possible clues — and it didn’t take long before Vinnie’s name became the centre of the speculation.
Eagle-eyed viewers then pointed to what they believe could be one of the biggest hints: Annabel and Vinnie have been seen several times throughout the season wearing matching necklaces, each featuring a tiny red chilli charm.
“I’ve thought from the start that something might be going on between Annabel and Vinnie, especially after noticing they both wore a little red chilli pepper on a chain,” one fan commented on Facebook.
Others also noted that the pair often appear side by side in behind-the-scenes photos shared on Instagram during filming, adding even more fuel to the dating rumours.
Fans have also picked up on another connection between them away from the MasterChef kitchen, as both Annabel and Vinnie work as nurses.
Still, despite the growing speculation, neither Annabel nor Vinnie has publicly confirmed they are in a relationship.
Should the rumours turn out to be true, they would become only the third couple to find love through MasterChef Australia.
Social media detectives soon highlighted what they believe is one of the biggest giveaways, with Annabel and Vinnie repeatedly spotted throughout the season wearing matching necklaces featuring tiny red chilli charms
Sarah and Declan’s relationship has become one of the franchise’s biggest success stories after they fell in love during the 2024 Back To Win season before welcoming twin daughters on Christmas Eve last year
Sarah and Declan’s relationship has since become one of MasterChef Australia’s most heartwarming success stories, after the pair fell in love during the 2024 Back To Win season and later welcomed twin daughters on Christmas Eve last year.
The fan-favourite couple first met while filming MasterChef: Back To Win in 2024, before confirming their romance publicly in early 2025.
Sarah, who is from Queensland and is also mum to 14-year-old son Phoenix, later relocated to Melbourne to be with Declan following their fast-moving romance.
She shares Phoenix with her former fiancé, Devinder Garcha.
Before Sarah and Declan, another MasterChef love story had already captured fans’ attention, with season one contestants Chris Badenoch and Julia Jenkins also finding romance after filming ended.
Chris and Julia went on to marry in 2013 and are still together today.