The close-knit cast of Celebrity MasterChef enjoy a night out in Melbourne

They became fast friends on Celebrity MasterChef, and this year’s contestants cemented their bond with a night out in Melbourne.

Many of the show’s cast enjoyed a dinner at Gradi Italian restaurant at Crown Melbourne shortly after filming commenced back in June.

Attending the dinner were Rebecca Gibney, Dami Im, Chrissie Swan, Dilruk Jayasinha, Nick Riewoldt, Tilly Ramsay and Matthew Le Nevez.

Seemingly not present at the star-studded dinner were co-stars Ian Thorpe, Archie Thompson and Collette Dinnigan.  

Chrissie, 47, showed off her incredible recent weight loss, stepping out in a pair of black pants, which she paired with a fitted long-sleeve black scoop neck T-shirt.

The TV and radio presenter also donned a red and white striped belt, which she wore knotted at the waist, and a pair of white sneakers.

She rounded out her ensemble with a pair of giant hoop earrings and a black cross-body satchel.

In a post on Instagram in July, Chrissie credited her weight loss with giving up alcohol and a newfound passion for walking. 

When a fan asked if she ever lacks motivation, Chrissie responded: ‘The struggle is real. I get it and I have NEVER been a walker. 

‘I always wear activewear or at least runners – like just put them on straightaway because that’s one less excuse. 

‘It’s when I can’t be f**ked I just say it’s 10 minutes. Always ends up longer. First step is the hardest.’

The affectionate group was seen embracing each other as they left the restaurant, happily trading hugs before going their separate ways.

Chrissie was flanked by Dami, 33, and Tilly, before the smiling star left the group and made her way home.

As they left the restaurant, most of the celebrities covered up with face masks amid Melbourne’s Covid outbreak.

Tilly chatted with Matthew, 42, as they waited outside, before the pair shared an Uber together.

As they stood outside together, Tilly was seen repeatedly checking her phone as they waited for their rideshare. 

The 19-year-old daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay looked stylish in a black miniskirt, which she paired with a pink and white striped T-shirt.

She also wore black stockings, a black puffer jacket and black lace-up combat boots, and she carried a small black Gucci handbag, which retails for $1,900.

Her long blonde hair was worn loose, and she wore a pale pink face mask, which matched her top perfectly. 

Meanwhile, Dami and Rebecca, 56, stuck close, with the two women sharing a laugh as they stepped outside.

Dami showed off her unique sense of style in a pair of camel-coloured pants, which she wore tucked into black boots.

She also wore a fitted camel-coloured T-shirt, and rounded out her ensemble with a black, white and red check coat.

Dami gave Nick, 39, a friendly hug goodbye as they left dinner together, before then embracing Tilly. 

Rebecca looked stylish in an all-black ensemble, opting for pants, boots, a scarf, coat and cross-body handbag.

As they exited the Crown, comedian Dilruk, 36, couldn’t resist giving onlookers a cheeky thumbs up.

Meanwhile, Nick snuck up behind Matthew and embraced him in a bear hug as they stood out on the street. 

The two men shared a laugh as Nick affectionately patted Matthew’s shoulders.

After finishing their dinner, the group continued their conversation outside, standing around chatting and laughing on the street.

They appeared to have been in high spirits after a fun night out, smiling and laughing as they said their farewells.

On Thursday, Tilly’s Celebrity MasterChef co-stars rallied around her after she called out British radio host Steve Allen for criticising her appearance.

Discussing her appearance on British show Strictly Come Dancing, the 67-year-old said: ‘She’s a chubby little thing isn’t she, have you noticed? Probably her dad’s cooking.’ 

‘I try not to read and listen to comments and negativity, however recently being called out on a national radio station by a 67-year-old man is a step too far,’ Tilly wrote on Instagram on Thursday. 

‘Steve please feel free [to] voice your opinions, however I draw the line at commenting on my appearance.

‘It’s such a shame that someone is trying to make such a positive experience negative.

‘This isn’t the first and definitely won’t be the last comment made about my appearance, and I accept that and I’m learning to accept myself.

‘But please remember that words can hurt, and at the end of the day I am only 19 and I’m so grateful for all the amazing opportunities I have been able to take part in, and I understand that being in the public eye obviously comes with its own repercussions and I’ve been aware of this from a young age.

‘However I won’t tolerate people that think it’s okay to publicly comment and scrutinise anyone’s weight and appearance.’

Tilly received an outpouring of support in the comments, particularly from her Celebrity MasterChef co-stars.

‘What a sad, backward man. You know your power, my girl. It’s growing and was never in doubt. Love you to the moon and back,’ wrote Chrissie.

‘Let me at him!!! Seriously?? That guy needs a good kick up the bum. You are a brilliant, bright shining star – beautiful dancer, wondrous cook, exceptional human,’ added Rebecca. 

‘And wise beyond your years. Always remember for that one dimwitted t**t – there are millions who adore you. Keep killing it sweetheart. Australia loves you too.’

Added Nick: ‘You’re an amazing woman. I suggest this loser go and read “The Man in the Arena quote” you got this Tilly.’

Even MasterChef judges Jock Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong weighed in on the controversy, also commenting on Tilly’s post.

‘Oh Steve how does it feel to be a 67-year-old bully?? I was actually speechless when I heard this,’ began Jock, 45. 

‘More and more people aren’t owning their words. And have no regard for the lasting impact they can have. 

‘This guy should be taking a good hard look at himself, and good on you Tilly for calling him out. 

‘You’re gorgeous Tilly, from the moment anyone meets you they are drawn to your warmth, energy and humour. 

‘You are generous and polite and someone your parents are super proud of. Stay focused on that, the rest is just noise with the intention to throw you off track.’ 

‘This is not cool. Steve, you should be ashamed at your behaviour… you’re not exactly a supermodel mate,’ added Melissa, 39.

Meanwhile, in an interview with the Herald Sun on Thursday, Ian, 39, said it was ‘inappropriate’ for people to be commenting on her appearance and added: ‘I just feel for her.’ 

‘I thought we’d got to a point where even making a positive comment on someone’s weight doesn’t seem all that appropriate either,’ he added.