Melissa Leong’s new gig at Channel 10 is looking positive for the food critic.
The 41-year-old was dumped as a judge on Masterchef Australia and moved to new spin-off series Dessert Masters, which dominated the ratings on Tuesday night.
Dessert Masters had 451,000 registrations in all major cities.
Appearing in the sweet series alongside celebrity pastry chef Amaury Guichon, Melissa has maintained her fan base and continues to gain new support.
Viewers who watched the show’s season premiere on Sunday night praised Melissa and made it clear that they still enjoy seeing her at the helm.
Melissa Leong’s new gig at Channel 10 is looking positive for the food critic
Many posted their positive thoughts on social media as they tuned in to the dessert-based reality show.
‘I love this show. The desserts are fantastic. Mel is a great co-host. Amaury is simply delightful,” someone wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
‘I love Mel! Channel Ten was wrong to remove her from the main show,” said another.
“GEEZ MEL IS DIVINE,” one excited person said, while another said, “Here for Mel.”
The 41-year-old was dumped as a judge on Masterchef Australia and moved to new spin-off series Dessert Masters, which dominated the ratings on Tuesday night.
“I’m so excited for this show/season. Mel and Amaury. What a dream team!’ someone else agreed.
It comes after the former MasterChef star insisted she has nothing but love for her co-stars on the Channel Ten cooking show, shortly after it was announced she will not be returning to the series next year.
The food critic and TV personality spoke about a feud between herself and fellow judges Andy Allen and the late Jock Zonfrillo during a candid chat with Ny Breaking Australia at The Birdcage at Flemington Racecourse last week.
“This isn’t my first rodeo,” Leong declared, shaking off the speculative stories as part of the course in the high-stakes world of reality TV.
Melissa has maintained her fan base and continues to gain new support. Viewers who watched the show’s season premiere on Sunday night made it clear that they’re still excited to see her at the helm
When pressed about friction on the MasterChef set, Leong said: “I have nothing but love and respect for not only Andy, but everyone I’ve worked with.”
“We’re a team, we’re a family, and that’s all you really need to know,” Melissa added.
Melissa’s excitement was palpable as she spoke about her new gig at Dessert Masters, describing working with Guichon as a “dream come true.”
The upcoming sixteenth season will see three new judges – series alum Poh Ling Yeow, Michelin-star chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and food critic Sofia Levin – join returning host Andy Allen.
The food critic and TV personality once again addressed whispers of a feud between herself and fellow judges Andy Allen (left) and the late Jock Zonfrillo (right) during a candid chat with Ny Breaking Australia at The Birdcage at Flemington Racecourse
A network spokesperson told the Australian Financial Review that Leong’s departure was a matter of planning and that she “remains an important member of the MasterChef family.”
‘Next year, MasterChef Australia and Dessert Masters will be broadcast back-to-back. That’s why every show needs its own style and personality, and its own unique hosting team,” she added.
Despite reports that she was ‘canceling’ the show, Leong said in a social media post that her time on MasterChef Australia had been ‘truly magical’.
“The changing of the guard is one I always intended to embrace, and I’m so happy to be able to do so today, on my terms,” she wrote.
‘Along with all that joy, I also want to share with you (soon) some other projects I’ve been working on behind the scenes, so watch this space!
‘My thanks to our audiences for all your support, I can’t wait for you to see the new show. Always love and respect.’