MasterChef star quits TV and plans to leave Australia after loss

The beloved TV chef has revealed shock plans to leave Australia for good after another devastating loss.

Beloved MasterChef star Reynold Poernomo has revealed he will never return to the show following yet another devastating loss.

The pastry chef first appeared on the reality show back in 2015 where he finished in fourth place, and returned to the show five years later where he came third.

Reynold Poernomo has failed to win the MasterChef crown three times. Picture: AAP Image/Josh Woning

His latest stint saw him crowned the runner-up on Dessert Masters, and despite fans rallying behind him on social media, Poernomo has officially had enough of always being the reality TV bridesmaid.

He told Yahoo Lifestyle there is “not a chance” he will return for another chance at the crown, and revealed his loss has sparked his decision to move to a country where he’s more appreciated.

“I can’t just be pigeonholed the whole time on the show,” he shared.

“It’s time for me to keep growing and keep moving onto bigger things. It’s not the end, it’s just the beginning.”

Maybe I might go for Michelin overseas, maybe I might go into the entertainment industry overseas. But definitely somewhere in Asia or somewhere in the States.”

Poernomo went on to confess he had turned down producers multiple times before eventually agreeing to comeback.

“But after giving it a couple of thoughts, I thought maybe it’s good exposure and a good chance for me to showcase what I do again,” he said.

“Also because I was opening my Melbourne store. Although it’s delayed until March next year, it was still a great opportunity for me to showcase my craft on Dessert Masters because it’s the biggest platform to showcase what my family and I have built.”

Poernomo has revealed plans to ditch Australia and restart his career in America. Picture from Supplied.

Despite his sadness about losing, Poernomo doesn’t harbour any hard feelings and added that he “enjoyed” the experience overall.

“The most stressful, definitely, but the fact that we had all already made a name for ourselves in the industry, it was really enjoyable because we were able to share knowledge,” added. “There was no ego, there was no drama here and there or personality clashes, we just all admired each other’s work. The standard was incredible, but when you’re put in a situation like that it makes you do better.”

After ten episodes, Gareth Whitton was crowned the first-ever Dessert Masters 2023 winner, taking home the $100,000 prize money. He beat out two MasterChef Australia alumni, Jess Liemantara and Poernomo.

Following his loss, Poernomo spoke to MediaWeek and revealed that another Dessert Masters contestant had warned him about becoming just another “MC alumni who knows nothing”.

However, Poernomo said he went on to earn their respect through his technical skill and dedication.

“I know plenty of MasterChef alumni who haven’t taken the same path I have since it’s not the most fruitful and not the easiest,” he said. “Entertainment media is probably the easiest thing to do, but it’s not the one I like to do. It’s my craft. It’s truly a dedication to the art.”

Originally published as MasterChef star quits TV and plans to leave Australia after loss