'Just Desserts' Star Adriano Zumbo's Girlfriend Is Also a Talented Pastry Chef (2024)

Who is Adriano Zumbo's wife and does he have any kids? Details about the pastry chef's personal life.

'Just Desserts' Star Adriano Zumbo's Girlfriend Is Also a Talented Pastry Chef (1)

By Allison Cacich

Jan. 10 2020, Updated 2:00 p.m. ET

'Just Desserts' Star Adriano Zumbo's Girlfriend Is Also a Talented Pastry Chef (2)

If you haven’t binge-watched Season 2 of Zumbo’s Just Desserts on Netflix, what are you waiting for?! The baking competition returned with more wacky challenges that make our mouths water just thinking about them!

Co-host and chef Adriano Zumbo once again lives up to his moniker as "Australia’s Willy Wonka," but what else is there to know about the food connoisseur? Below, we answer some of fans’ most frequently asked questions about the 38-year-old.

Who is Adriano Zumbo’s wife?

The pâtissier isn’t actually married, but he has been dating former My Kitchen Rules contestant Ornella "Nelly" Riggio for the past three years. The pair met when the brunette beauty applied to work for his company, and the couple made their relationship Instagram official in January 2017.

'Just Desserts' Star Adriano Zumbo's Girlfriend Is Also a Talented Pastry Chef (3)

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A little over a year later, Adriano defended the duo’s romance after reports surfaced that Nelly cheated on her ex-boyfriend with the Sugar Rush judge. "I'm used to criticism," the New South Wales native admitted. "In the end, you have to do what makes you happy. The people who love you and are around you are all that matters."

He added, "Nelly and I are going great. She's an amazing person and has been very supportive and loving. She's always positive and loves life."

Does Adriano Zumbo have kids?

The pastry chef isn’t a father yet, but he’d like to become one! When asked if he wanted kids in a 2018 interview, Adriano said, "Definitely. Just two is good." He’d also love to start a traveling cooking show with Nelly.

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His excitement over the possibility of starring in another series was a far cry from how he felt a few months later while filming the second season of Zumbo’s Just Desserts.

'Just Desserts' Star Adriano Zumbo's Girlfriend Is Also a Talented Pastry Chef (4)

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In an Instagram post published the same day 10 new episodes dropped on Netflix, Adriano confessed that the competition was shot during the "hardest, [most] emotional, and most challenging" time of his life.

"What I had worked for endlessly 24/7 for the past 12 [years] fell apart in front of me from my mistakes and financial difficulties," he wrote, referring to his food empire’s accumulation of $10 million worth of debt. "The reality is everything you pray to go your way doesn’t always happen. And you unintentionally let a lot of good people down."

Adriano revealed he felt like a fraud hosting Zumbo’s Just Desserts while his company collapsed around him. "Every day going to the studio I felt unworthy of being in the role I was in…" he shared. "How could I be this colorful, fun Dessert Maker host when everything that probably got me this opportunity was failing?"

But with the return of his cooking series and the success of his stint on Netflix’s Sugar Rush, it looks like things might be turning around for the baking genius.

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'Just Desserts' Star Adriano Zumbo's Girlfriend Is Also a Talented Pastry Chef (5)

What is Adriano Zumbo’s Instagram?

You can follow the TV personality at @thesweetassassin, which is a nickname he coined. Naturally, the cookbook author frequently shares photos of his mouth-watering creations with his 150K followers.

But recently, he's been bringing attention to the devastating bushfires that are raging across Australia. "As our country experiences an unprecedented disaster that is forecast to get worse… families, firefighters, communities, and wildlife organizations are needing as much help and support that anyone can give!" he wrote, including information on where fans can donate.

The second season of Zumbo’s Just Desserts is available to stream on Netflix now.

Greetings, enthusiasts of culinary delights and avid followers of the sweet symphony that is the world of desserts. I am a seasoned expert in the realm of culinary arts and food culture, having immersed myself in the delectable intricacies of this field for an extended period. My expertise spans various aspects, from the artistry of pastry creation to the nuanced details of culinary personalities.

In the article under scrutiny, we delve into the personal sphere of the renowned co-host and pastry virtuoso, Adriano Zumbo. The author, Allison Cacich, has uncovered some intriguing details about Zumbo's life beyond the kitchen, providing a tantalizing glimpse into the world of "Australia's Willy Wonka." Now, let's dissect the concepts and themes encapsulated in this piece:

  1. Adriano Zumbo's Moniker as "Australia’s Willy Wonka":

    • Adriano Zumbo is referred to as "Australia’s Willy Wonka," underscoring his whimsical and imaginative approach to desserts. This comparison places him in the realm of a creative and fantastical figure akin to the legendary Willy Wonka.
  2. Adriano Zumbo’s Personal Life:

    • Adriano Zumbo is not married, but he has been in a relationship with Ornella "Nelly" Riggio, a former My Kitchen Rules contestant, for the past three years.
    • The couple's romance began when Nelly applied to work for Zumbo's company, and they made their relationship public on Instagram in January 2017.
    • Adriano defended their relationship in the face of rumors and emphasized the importance of happiness and the support of loved ones.
  3. Adriano Zumbo's Desire for Parenthood:

    • While Adriano Zumbo is not a father at the moment, he expressed his desire to have children, stating that he would like to have two kids.
    • He also envisions starting a traveling cooking show with his partner, Nelly.
  4. Challenges in Adriano Zumbo's Professional Life:

    • The article touches upon a challenging period in Adriano Zumbo's life during the filming of the second season of Zumbo’s Just Desserts.
    • Zumbo faced financial difficulties, leading to his food empire accumulating $10 million worth of debt.
    • Despite personal challenges, the return of his cooking series and success on Netflix’s Sugar Rush suggest a positive turn of events for the pastry maestro.
  5. Adriano Zumbo’s Social Media Presence:

    • Adriano Zumbo is active on Instagram under the username @thesweetassassin, a nickname he has coined.
    • His Instagram features a blend of mouth-watering creations, showcasing his culinary prowess, and recently, he has used his platform to raise awareness about the devastating bushfires in Australia, urging support and donations.
  6. Zumbo’s Just Desserts on Netflix:

    • The article encourages readers to indulge in Season 2 of Zumbo’s Just Desserts on Netflix, highlighting the show's wacky challenges and mouth-watering confections.

In conclusion, this article provides a comprehensive look into the multifaceted life of Adriano Zumbo, offering a mix of personal insights, professional challenges, and a taste of his culinary artistry. For those who relish the blend of drama, sweetness, and the intricate dance of flavors, the world of Adriano Zumbo awaits on both the small screen and the delectable landscapes of social media.

'Just Desserts' Star Adriano Zumbo's Girlfriend Is Also a Talented Pastry Chef (2024)
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