After weeks of MasterChef fans analysing Petro and Alyona’s close friendship, Petro has finally spoken about the rumours. And his response reveals what was really happening behind the scenes while viewers searched for clues.
For weeks, MasterChef Australia viewers had been watching Petro Papathomas and Alyona Iljuhhina closely, convinced that a friendship formed inside the kitchen might have become something more.
A lingering hug, behind-the-scenes photos and plenty of social media interaction were enough to send fans searching for clues.
Now, Petro has finally addressed the speculation — and his answer leaves little room for interpretation.
Petro breaks his silence on the rumours
Asked by WHO whether there was any truth behind suggestions he and Alyona had secretly started dating during filming, Petro gave a remarkably short response.
“No,” he said. “Just entertaining headlines.”
Rather than being uncomfortable about the attention, Petro revealed the contestants had actually enjoyed watching the theories develop.
“We were all having a good laugh,” he said.
He later described seeing the romance speculation become headlines as “quite entertaining”.
Why fans became convinced something was happening
The rumours gained momentum after Alyona previously spoke about the bond she and Petro developed while filming the competition.
She told WHO:
“We spent a lot of time cooking together, talking about food and supporting each other through the whole MasterChef experience.”
Alyona described them as “very close friends” and confirmed they had remained in contact after leaving the competition.
At the time, however, she did not directly shut down the romance theories, instead indicating that food — rather than dating — was her main focus.
That ambiguity gave fans plenty to speculate about.
Photos of Petro and Alyona spending time together away from the kitchen, as well as their interactions online, only added to the discussion.
The hug that fuelled the theories
One moment in particular attracted attention after Alyona’s elimination.
Viewers noticed Petro sharing a warm, lengthy embrace with her as he offered support following her departure from the competition.
Combined with behind-the-scenes images showing them frequently sitting together, some fans became convinced they had spotted MasterChef’s next off-screen couple.
Petro’s latest comments have now firmly rejected that interpretation.
Where the ‘secret couple’ mystery began
Interestingly, the speculation did not initially centre on Petro and Alyona.
It began after Annabel Lloyd made a cheeky comment during an appearance by former contestants Sarah Todd and Declan Cleary.
After hearing about Sarah and Declan’s relationship, Annabel suggested there might be a “future Sarah and Declan” among the 2026 cast — while joking that she could not reveal anything further.
Fans immediately began trying to identify the mystery pair.
Early theories involved Annabel and eventual winner Vinnie Gibaldi, before viewers learned Vinnie was already in a long-term relationship.
Attention then moved towards Petro and Alyona.
Annabel later clarified that her original comment was simply a joke.
“Sorry to put it to bed,” she told WHO.
Petro’s comments have now removed the remaining uncertainty surrounding the rumour.
Petro reacts to his ‘most eligible bachelor’ title
Romance rumours aside, Petro also had something to say about another title he picked up during the season.
His MasterChef roommate Luke Broderick described him as the competition’s “most eligible bachelor”.
Petro was happy to accept the compliment.
“Indeed, I’ve got a lot to thank him for,” Petro joked. “He really pumped my tyres up.”
Petro also revealed how close the pair became while filming.
“Luke and I are really close,” he said. “We just got on like a house on fire.”
Their friendship has continued since filming, although distance has made catching up difficult.
“It’s a shame he’s all the way in Perth because I don’t get to see him too much,” Petro added.
So while the long-running Petro and Alyona mystery has finally been answered, Petro appears to have walked away from MasterChef with strong friendships — and, thanks to Luke, a rather memorable new title.