New Dessert Masters host Melissa Leong ‘considers new career role’ after huge Channel Seven star quits show following 20 years on-air
Channel 10’s Melissa Leong is among the names in the running to replace Better Homes and Gardens star Ed Halmagyi after it was announced he would be leaving the show.
Halmagyi, 48, known as ‘Fast Ed’ to his fans, announced this week that he would be quitting the popular Seven program after 20 years, with his final appearance airing on December 1.
Leong, 41, who currently hosts new ratings hit Dessert Masters, is reportedly in the running for the gig alongside My Kitchen Rules co-stars Matt Preston and Colin Fassnidge.
Former MasterChef winner Julie Goodwin would also be a front-runner for the ratings Confidential.
Recipe Tin’s Nagi Maehashi, MasterChef contestant Sarah Todd, Melbourne chef Morgan Hipworth and SBS star Adam Liaw are also reportedly being considered.
Channel 10’s Melissa Leong has been tipped to replace Better Homes and Gardens star Ed Halmagy after he revealed she was quitting the show this week
Halmagyi, 48, is known as ‘Fast Ed’ to his fans and announced this week that he would be retiring
My Kitchen Rules star Matt Preston is also reportedly in the running for the BH&G gig
Whoever lands the role will share food tips with viewers in weekly segments that will be produced in locations across Australia and overseas.
Meanwhile, Halmagyi confirmed this week that he will be stepping back to open a new bakery after debuting on the show in 2004.
“After more than twenty years of sharing recipes as a host on Better Homes and Gardens, I have made the decision to step back from my role on the show,” he said.
‘I never intended to work in television, it just happened. In 2004, I was asked to do a screen test, and the fact that I’m still here on Better Homes and Gardens twenty years later is both fantastic and bizarre.”
“This is the longest job I’ve ever had, and it’s time for me to have a new adventure,” he said.
Ed said he feels “honored to have had the opportunity to tell stories to people who love food.”
“I will certainly miss being part of Friday nights in Australia and working with my Better Homes and Gardens family,” he added.
Colin Fassnidge has also been tipped for Better Homes and Gardens
Another favorite in the running for hit show is MasterChef star Julie Goodwin
He explained that he will open a Jewish bakery after nurturing this dream for more than a decade.
Leong’s new show Dessert Masters has proven to be a hit for the ratings-starved Channel 10 network.
Appearing in the sweet series alongside celebrity pastry chef Amaury Guichon, Melissa has maintained her fan base and continues to gain new support.
One recent episode scored a Metro rating of 451,000 viewers.