It’s been revealed that Melissa Leong has quit MasterChef Australia as the new judging lineup is announced for the upcoming 2024 season.
Five months after the death of Jock Zonfrillo, Channel 10 announced on October 23 that Melissa, who became a judge in 2020 alongside Jock and Season Four victor Andy Allen, would be departing the series.
Now, Andy will lead the judging panel alongside the inaugural season runner-up, Poh Ling Yeow, food critic and journalist Sofia Levin and — bringing the judging tally up to FOUR for the first time ever — multi-Michelin Star award-winning chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli.
In a statement, Andy showed gratitude to MasterChef for giving him “a pathway into the industry”.
“It… led me to a career that I’m forever grateful for,” he said. “After an extremely difficult year in 2023, and upon reflection, the decision to return to the series is not one I took lightly.
“But there is something special in the MasterChef Australia kitchen, and it feels right to come back to work with the amazing production team, and to play my role in seeing the contestants do as I have done.”
Andy concluded: “2024 will be the start of a new chapter, and it will be surreal – yet brilliant – to share this moment with my fellow judges, Poh, Sofia and Jean-Christophe.”
What will Melissa Leong do after quitting MasterChef Australia?
For those who are big Melissa Leong fans (like us!), don’t fret! She isn’t leaving the small screen for good.
ICYMI: At their annual Upfronts event in 2022, Channel Ten revealed MasterChef was copping a dessert-centric spin-off called Dessert Masters.
And, lo and behold, sweet tooth Melissa is co-hosting alongside international chef Amaury Guichon.
Addressing her MasterChef exit on Instagram, Melissa said her “time and co-host and judge has been a great gift”.
“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!” she wrote on October 23.
“Stepping away from the main show and into Dessert Masters alongside the extraordinary Amaury Guichon is yet another sweet present indeed.”
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.”
Dessert Masters begins on November 12 on Channel 10 and 10Play.
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