The long-time judge says the 2026 season will be “a wild one”, with Alisha and Deanne, Jane and Shane, and Angus and Simon all catching his attention before the first Instant Restaurant has even aired.

Alisha And Deanne Are Bringing Big Energy

South Australian best friends Alisha and Deanne have already introduced themselves as the season's “classy bogans”, but Manu believes their energy will make them stand out just as much as the label.

“They are very energetic, very bubbly,” Manu told TV WEEK.

The pair met at school as teenagers and have been inseparable ever since. Both are mums, both promise plenty of unfiltered commentary, and their hearty home-style cooking includes sticky date pudding and birria tacos.

Their loud personalities have already featured in Seven's early campaign, with Alisha and Deanne among the first MKR 2026 teams revealed in promo videos.

Jane And Shane Arrive With High Standards

Blue Mountains couple Jane and Shane may bring a very different energy, but Manu expects their experience to create pressure of its own.

He says the couple enter the competition with “huge expectations”. Jane has spent years working as a food stylist, while she and builder Shane have travelled widely and developed strong opinions about how a dish should look and taste.

That background could make them formidable cooks, but it also gives the other teams plenty to judge when their own Instant Restaurant opens.

Angus And Simon Could Have A Sharp Side

South Australian mates Angus and Simon have been leaning into humour from the beginning. Fifth-generation funeral director Angus inspired their Instant Restaurant name, Last Orders, while Simon is the more methodical cook of the pair.

Manu described them as charming, but warned “they might turn a little” once the pressure rises.

Their contrasting kitchen styles and 11-year friendship make them one of the season's most intriguing pairs. Angus cooks quickly and instinctively, while Simon prefers to follow a recipe and keep the process under control.

They are among nine pairs in the complete MKR 2026 cast, which also includes three gatecrasher teams entering after the opening round of Instant Restaurants.

My Kitchen Rules premieres at 7.30pm on Monday, 28 September on Channel 7 and 7plus.