Andre Ursini has made a shocking admission ahead of his long-awaited return to MasterChef Australia after making his TV debut on the show 16 years ago.

The celebrity cook, 44, shot to fame on the Channel Ten series in 2009 and went on to become an award-winning foodie—but now the hospitality businessman has revealed he may be ‘a bit rusty’ for his return to television.

He revealed on Sunday that since his rise to fame, Andre has barely stepped foot in a kitchen and often ‘delegates’ as he manages his successful restaurants, reported The Sunday Mail.

‘I haven’t cooked in a long time,’ Andre said.

‘As I developed these businesses, it took me away from the kitchen. I delegate a lot, it’s been less hands-on. It’s more about managing people and numbers.

‘Now I just want to concentrate on cooking again and have some fun—that’s my main agenda.’

Andre Ursini has made a shocking admission ahead of his long-awaited return to MasterChef Australia after making his TV debut on the show 16 years ago. Pictured

Andre is set to return to the kitchen in the upcoming season of MasterChef Australia: Back to Win.

The chef and restaurateur posted the news on his Instagram, along with a trailer for the upcoming season of the cooking competition.

The preview features the dramatic moment he was booted off the show in season one.

‘I got eliminated on a Sri Lankan curry taste test,’ the Adelaide food guru said in the voice over.

Also included is new footage of a now bearded Andre working on a recipe.

‘I haven’t been in the MasterChef kitchen for about 16 years… bloody long time,’ he continued.

‘I’m back, time to start cooking again.’

He also teased his hopes for the new season.

The celebrity cook shot to fame on the Channel Ten series in 2009 and went on to become an award-winning foodie—but now the hospitality businessman has revealed he may be ‘a bit rusty’ for his return to television

He revealed on Sunday that since his rise to fame, Andre has barely stepped for in a kitchen and often ‘delegates’ as he manages his successful restaurants, reported The Sunday Mail

‘I’ve ticked all my food creative goals, my work goals, my life goals,’ he said.

‘But I’ve never held that [MasterChef] trophy.’

The former reality star has opened several notable eateries in South Australia, including the award-winning Andre’s Cucina & Polenta Bar in Adelaide, ORSO, Villetta Porcini, Lost Phoenix Farm and Willmott’s Gastronomia.

Other fan favourites returning for Back to Win include Laura Sharrad, who starred in seasons 6 and 12; season 16’s Savindri Perera and Darrsh Clarke as well as Tim Bone from season 11.

Declan Cleary from season 15 and Steph De Sousa from season 11 also feature heavily in promotional materials.

MasterChef Australia: Back to Win will premiere Monday April 28 at 7:30pm on Channel 10