MasterChef’s Melissa Leong axed from Channel 10 cooking show as surprise new line-up is confirmed after Jock Zonfrillo’s death
Melissa Leong is leaving MasterChef Australia.
The popular judge’s departure will be announced on Tuesday. The Australian Financial Review reported on Monday.
MasterChef winner Poh Ling Yeow and Michelin star chef Jean-Christophe Novelli will take their place in the jury chairs.
Food critic Sofia Levin joins as the fourth judge, alongside returning star Andy Allen.
Melissa will continue to appear on Dessert Masters, another Channel Ten cooking competition which starts in November.
Pictured: Melissa with Andy Allen and Jock Zonfrillo
A spokesperson told the publication: ‘Melissa Leong remains an important member of the MasterChef Australia family’
‘Melissa will return for a second season of Dessert Masters in 2024, together with fellow judge and pastry chef Amaury Guichon.
‘Next year, MasterChef Australia and Dessert Masters will air back-to-back, so each show will need its own distinctive style and personality and its own unique hosting team.’
Andy Allen tells The Daily Telegraph that the decision to return following the death of his co-star Jock Zonfrillo was not an easy one.
“After an extremely difficult year in 2023, and upon reflection, I have not taken the decision to return to the series lightly,” he said.
“But there’s something special about the MasterChef Australia Kitchen, and it feels good to get back to work with the amazing production team and play my part in seeing the contestants do what I’ve been doing.
“2024 will be the beginning of a new chapter, and it will be surreal – yet brilliant – to share this moment with my fellow judges, Poh, Sofia and Jean-Christophe.”
Poh Ling Yeow called her return to the show that made her a household name as a judge “an exciting full-circle moment.”
“MasterChef Australia is where my food story began, so this feels like coming home,” she said.
“A big part of me will always be on the other side between the competitors and I hope that when they look at me, they see proof that you don’t have to win to win.”