Melissa Leong defends her unusual career choices after dramatic exit from MasterChef Australia: ‘None of it really makes any strategic sense’
Melissa Leong has had an interesting and varied career after leaving MasterChef Australia.
The former cooking show judge has had roles in sports reporting, children’s television and the health sector.
And the 42-year-old admits her current career path isn’t “strategic” – and that’s the way she likes it.
‘In my time on earth so far I have been a make-up artist; worked in advertising and PR; been a food, travel and lifestyle journalist; worked in publishing and radio; and hosted food shows on major networks. None of that really makes any strategic sense on paper,” she says Stellar magazine.
“All I can say is that it’s been a series of saying ‘yes’ to opportunities that excite me and scare me a little. And I can guarantee you that when I started something new, I didn’t always take the plunge right away.
“I’m not saying I chose the song, but I learned that you have to be willing to humble yourself in these moments of transition.”
She added: “I realize that I have confused a whole group of people over the past year by foraying into the world of sports journalism, specifically by interviewing champion athletes in the world of mixed martial arts.”
It comes after Melissa announced she is realizing a childhood dream by appearing on ABC’s Playschool.
Melissa Leong has had an interesting and varied career after leaving MasterChef Australia. The former cooking show judge has had roles in sports reporting, children’s television and the health sector. Pictured in her recent appearance at Play School
“I grew up watching Playschool,” the 42-year-old began in her Instagram caption on Sunday.
“This iconic show has been part of Australian entertainment for 60 years, so I’m thrilled to be part of the magic this week!”
She continued, “Watch me on Wednesday the 18th at 9am @abcaustralia, or on @abckids!
“This is the only time you will ever see me singing and dancing on television, so you know how much I wanted to do this!”
“All I can say is that it’s been a series of saying ‘yes’ to opportunities that excite me and scare me a little. And I can guarantee that when I started something new, I didn’t always throw in the towel,” she said. Pictured on MasterChef
Melissa concluded: ‘Thank you to the wonderful @alexpappsofficial and @rachaelcoopes for their warm and welcoming welcome.’
It comes after Melissa revealed she is starring in a new three-part documentary series about Australia’s healthcare system.
The TV star appeared in the new SBS docuseries The Hospital: In The Deep End in June.
During the program, she spent time with medical professionals at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney to better understand health issues in Australia.
The former MasterChef Australia judge said this TV WEEK that filming the series was a challenge.
‘In my time on earth so far I have been a make-up artist; worked in advertising and PR; been a food, travel and lifestyle journalist; worked in publishing and radio; and hosted food shows on major networks. None of it really makes any strategic sense on paper,” she tells Stellar
In an interview with The Daily Telegraph in October, the journalist and food critic described the show as “full of heart” and “incredible people” committed to saving lives.
The food critic was fired from MasterChef Australia last year amid rumors of a feud between herself and fellow judges Andy Allen and the late Jock Zonfrillo, which she has denied.
She then presented the MasterChef spin-off series Dessert Masters alongside Amaury Guichon.
Her excitement was palpable when she recently spoke to Ny Breaking Australia about her new hosting gig on Dessert Masters, describing it as a ‘dream come true’.
Additionally, she announced that she would be hosting UFC Fight Week on Kayo Sports and Foxtel.
Read more in Stellar Magazine