MasterChef auditions in the Capes

The Capes region is a step closer to being part of ratings giant Master- Chef with tourism bodies in talks with the show’s producers.

Australia’s South West chief executive Sascha Papalia told the Times production company Fremantle Media was “having a sniff” around the Busselton-to-Margaret River region, scouting sites to film parts of the show and had discussed the possibility with the tourism body.

Ms Papalia contacted the company earlier this year to request the South West be featured on the show to receive national publicity on the back of its ratings which were up to 5.74 million for the final episode, making it the most watched episode this year.

The names of prominent chefs from Dunsborough and Margaret River were also put forward to the producers and Ms Papalia said she had received a positive response.

“They’re having a look at the destination and the calibre of the food and wine, in particular the food,” she said.

Fremantle Media’s Adrian Mott declined to confirm the South West was being considered to feature in the show but the company was in discussions with “everyone at this stage” and filming had yet to start.

A Tourism WA spokesperson confirmed it was involved in MasterChef and discussions with Australia’s South West and Fremantle Media were continuing.

Tourism WA chief executive Stephanie Buckland said she continued to support the idea.

“Having MasterChef broadcast from our South West region would be a great opportunity to showcase all the extraordinary fresh food and wine produced in the region,” she said.

In an initial request to Fremantle Media, Australia’s South West suggested a cook-off in a cave such as Dunsborough’s Ngilgi Cave and cooking schools in Yallingup be used in the show.