The shocking truth behind Melissa Leong's sudden exit from MasterChef
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Ah, MasterChef—the show that provides us with a weekly dose of culinary delights. (Sometimes, a bit of drama too!)
And most recently, all eyes have been on food critic Melissa Leong, who had been co-hosting MasterChef Australia alongside Andy Allen and the late Jock Zonfrillo since 2020.
Leong joined the show following the abrupt exit of former hosts Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan, and George Calombaris.
And just recently, news broke that Melissa would not be returning as a co-host for season 16, which sparked confusion about her sudden exit.
Leong, however, set the record straight saying: 'I get that there is going to be a bit of confusion and chaos about the “why” of it all right now.'
'I'm here and happy to clear that up because negative tropes draped around women who achieve something is boring, and frankly, we are all better than that.'
'This is a shift I embrace with joy. One that allows everyone involved, to expand.'
'To put it plainly, I’m very fortunate to continue to be a key part of [MasterChef], yet have the space to evolve my career.'
'In effect, I get to have my cake and eat it too…and what could be better than that?!'
You can read her full post below:
Source: Instagram/@fooderati.
The food critic thanked the network for its continued support and revealed that, while she wasn’t 'axed' as reported, she was instead 'stepping away' from the main show on her own terms.
'My time as co-host and judge on MasterChef Australia has been a great gift,' she wrote alongside a promo photo of Dessert Masters Australia.
'To have been given the opportunity to learn and grow—and now to be given the vote of confidence to expand and evolve the MasterChef universe is huge!'
Leong will be co-hosting the show’s second season with pastry chef Amaury Guichon.
'Stepping away from the main show and into Dessert Masters Australia alongside the extraordinary Amaury Guichon is yet another sweet present indeed.'
She finished her statement with a shoutout to her co-host Andy Allen, before expressing her gratitude for the fans’ 'support' and looking ahead to her new show, Dessert Masters Australia.
Leong will be replaced by 2009 MasterChef runner-up Poh Ling Yeow and Michelin star chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and will appear alongside returning host Andy Allen and food critic Sofia Levin.
'It is with great warmth and enthusiasm that I wish this new line-up of judges and hosts all the best in making it theirs, and big love to Andy Allen for leading the way,' she added.
'The changing of the guard is one I always planned to embrace, and I’m so glad to do that, on my terms, today.'
'My gratitude to our audience for all your support, can’t wait for you to see the new show. Love and respect always.'
Channel 10 has also released a statement regarding the food critic’s departure. The network insisted that Leong will remain a member of the MasterChef family.
'Melissa Leong remains a key member of the MasterChef Australia family. Melissa is set to return for a second season of Dessert Masters in 2024, alongside fellow judge and pastry prodigy Amaury Guichon,' they said.
'Next year, MasterChef Australia and Dessert Masters will air back-to-back. Therefore, each show needs its own distinct style and personality and its own unique hosting team.'
You can read Melissa’s full post below:
Source: Instagram/@fooderati.
Members, do you watch MasterChef Australia? Which episode or dish is your favourite? Share them with us in the comments below!
And most recently, all eyes have been on food critic Melissa Leong, who had been co-hosting MasterChef Australia alongside Andy Allen and the late Jock Zonfrillo since 2020.
Leong joined the show following the abrupt exit of former hosts Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan, and George Calombaris.
And just recently, news broke that Melissa would not be returning as a co-host for season 16, which sparked confusion about her sudden exit.
Melissa Leong will no longer return as co-host for MasterChef Australia’s season 16. Image source: Instagram/@fooderati.
Leong, however, set the record straight saying: 'I get that there is going to be a bit of confusion and chaos about the “why” of it all right now.'
'I'm here and happy to clear that up because negative tropes draped around women who achieve something is boring, and frankly, we are all better than that.'
'This is a shift I embrace with joy. One that allows everyone involved, to expand.'
'To put it plainly, I’m very fortunate to continue to be a key part of [MasterChef], yet have the space to evolve my career.'
'In effect, I get to have my cake and eat it too…and what could be better than that?!'
You can read her full post below:
Source: Instagram/@fooderati.
The food critic thanked the network for its continued support and revealed that, while she wasn’t 'axed' as reported, she was instead 'stepping away' from the main show on her own terms.
'My time as co-host and judge on MasterChef Australia has been a great gift,' she wrote alongside a promo photo of Dessert Masters Australia.
'To have been given the opportunity to learn and grow—and now to be given the vote of confidence to expand and evolve the MasterChef universe is huge!'
Leong will be co-hosting the show’s second season with pastry chef Amaury Guichon.
'Stepping away from the main show and into Dessert Masters Australia alongside the extraordinary Amaury Guichon is yet another sweet present indeed.'
She finished her statement with a shoutout to her co-host Andy Allen, before expressing her gratitude for the fans’ 'support' and looking ahead to her new show, Dessert Masters Australia.
Leong will be replaced by 2009 MasterChef runner-up Poh Ling Yeow and Michelin star chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and will appear alongside returning host Andy Allen and food critic Sofia Levin.
'It is with great warmth and enthusiasm that I wish this new line-up of judges and hosts all the best in making it theirs, and big love to Andy Allen for leading the way,' she added.
'The changing of the guard is one I always planned to embrace, and I’m so glad to do that, on my terms, today.'
'My gratitude to our audience for all your support, can’t wait for you to see the new show. Love and respect always.'
Channel 10 has also released a statement regarding the food critic’s departure. The network insisted that Leong will remain a member of the MasterChef family.
'Melissa Leong remains a key member of the MasterChef Australia family. Melissa is set to return for a second season of Dessert Masters in 2024, alongside fellow judge and pastry prodigy Amaury Guichon,' they said.
'Next year, MasterChef Australia and Dessert Masters will air back-to-back. Therefore, each show needs its own distinct style and personality and its own unique hosting team.'
You can read Melissa’s full post below:
Source: Instagram/@fooderati.
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