MasterChef crew read riot act over Melissa Leong leak

The cast and crew of MasterChef were read the riot act on Friday following inquiries about strained relations between TV star judge Melissa Leong and the program’s staff.

The cast and crew of MasterChef were read the riot act on Friday following inquiries from this columnist concerning word of strained relations between TV star judge Melissa Leong and the program’s staff.

According to sources close to the Network Ten show and production company Endemol Shine, the maker of the program, crew on the cooking show were told “in no uncertain terms” that if anyone breached the confidentiality clause in their contracts and spoke to media about behind the scenes shenanigans their contract would be torn up and they’d be shown the door.

As previously reported, Leong has fallen out with some members of Ten’s crew.

Rather than respond to questions from this writer, she has retained legal representation.

So popular is the food critic with audiences that insiders say the network does not wish to address any purported complaints relating to Leong, fearing it may upset one of its stars.

2022 Oaks Day at Flemington. Birdcage colour. Melissa Leong. Picture: David Caird

Complicating matters for Ten is the fact that any complaints made by crew have been countered by complaints from Leong.

These include some from hair and make-up artists who have had run-ins with Leong.

The food critic accused some crew members of bullying her earlier this year after they celebrated the birthday of rival judge Andy Allen.

According to insiders, Leong complained to management that she felt she had been bullied by said crew members because they had not recognised her birthday weeks earlier.