Lifetime orders Asian MasterChef

A+E Networks has ordered a local version of MasterChef for its Lifetime channels in Asia.

MasterChef Asia will launch in the region later this year and be produced by Endemol Southeast Asia. The format was previously distributed by the Shine Group, which is now Endemol-Shine).

Casting is underway for the 15-episode local series, which will be filmed in Singapore.

There will be contestants from across the region in the Asian version of the cooking competition show and would-be participants can submit audition reels via the local MasterChef website.

The line-up of local judges has not been revealed.

Lifetime already has exclusive rights to MasterChef Australia (pictured), Canada and New Zealand.

There are more than 50 local versions of MasterChef, which is the most successful cooking format in the world.