MasterChef Australia fans outraged over rumours Jamie Oliver is set to replace Jock

Rumours are swirling that celebrity chef Jamie Oliver will be replacing Jock Zonfrillo on the upcoming season of MasterChef Australia.

But many fans have flocked to social media to expressed their disapproval of the 48-year-old joining the cooking show.

Viewers are calling for Australian chef Shannon Bennett to land a role on the popular program instead.

‘Jamie isn’t the person to take over from Jock! I wish Shannon had stepped forward for it,’ one person wrote on Facebook.

‘Could not agree more, no need to import an expensive TV celebrity,’ a second said.

MasterChef Australia viewers rail against Jamie Oliver (pictured) replacing Jock Zonfrillo on the new season

A third commented: ‘Shannon would have been perfect! A big NO for JAMIE OLIVER, ratings will truly drop off!’

‘Shannon would be really good on the show full time. He’s so good teaching the other chefs and so calm with them,’ another wrote.

However some viewers disagreed, with one writing: ‘Jamie will be perfect!!!’

Another said: ‘Shannon does not have the personality required to host the show. It would be quite boring and ratings would suffer. Jamie is perfect for hosting with his personality, knowledge and experience.’

‘Shannon lacks experience that Jamie has. Jamie is perfect, one person wrote.

Viewers are calling for Australian chef Shannon Bennett to land a role on the popular program

It comes amid rumours Jamie will be joining MasterChef Australia following Jock’s sudden shock death at age 46 in April.

Channel 10 insiders have confirmed to Women’s Day that Jamie will be ready to film the new season of the hit cooking show in November.

According to the report, the British foodie has not yet agreed to replace Zonfrillo permanently.

It comes amid rumours Jamie will be joining MasterChef Australia following Jock’s (pictured) sudden shock death at age 46 in April

‘Jamie has inked a deal worth around $2million,’ the source told Women’s Day in the latest issue.

They said the contract with the best-selling cook book author includes a trip home to the U.K. for Christmas as well as an accommodation allowance for his family when they visit in January.

Jamie first appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef during season four in 2012.

Channel 10 insiders have confirmed to Women’s Day that Jamie will be ready to film the new season of the hit cooking show in November