MasterChef Australia: Viewers react to Poh Ling Yeow’s heartbreaking elimination

There was a downpouring of tears in homes around Australia last night when fan favourite Poh Ling Yeow was booted from MasterChef.

It’s been called “the saddest moment” in Australian TV history.

Poh’s elimination from MasterChef was up there with Molly’s death on A Country Practice, Maggie Doyle getting shot on Blue Heelers and Patrick from Offspring’s devastating demise.

Viewers were in tears as Melissa Leong gave an emotional farewell to Poh who was booted from the competition after her Sardinian potato dumplings failed to impress the judges.

“Poh, you are a national treasure,” Leong said. “Every day we could be guaranteed we’d get all of your heart, all of your soul, all of your love and all of your commitment.

Melissa was devastated.

Legend.

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“You’ve absolutely won our hearts all over again. You’ve always fought to show and represent who you are and to be proud of your heritage, and I think millions of people around the world see that and understand that and love you for that even more.”

Poh was gracious in defeat and smiled through her elimination, saying: “I’ve had such a fantastic time. It’s been such a joy to cook with these guys and it’s really humbling to be around them.”

But as Poh smiled, viewers sobbed, and thousands took to social media to praise the contestant for the joy she brought them on the show.

I am gutted devastated broken-hearted hearted and bawling. I’m so glad we are mates @PohLingyeow so I can see you in real life even if I can’t see you on #MasterChefAU You are a top top Sheila and a major inspiration. Love you to bits!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

— Magda Szubanski AO (@MagdaSzubanski) July 5, 2020

Melissa nails it. Poh is all heart and soul. She inspires me to go into the kitchen, to take risks, have fun, be proud of my heritage and pour all my love into my food. I’ve always loved her, and now I love her even more #MasterChefAU pic.twitter.com/dS2b7bZmG9

— Fiza Zali (@fizawanders) July 5, 2020

Hard to put into words what Poh even being on TV meant to me – this part Chinese-Malaysian kid, growing up in a sea of white – and so many other Asian-Australians.

What an absolute icon of Australian food. Gonna eat a goddamn century egg this week in her honour.#MasterChefAU

— Benjamin Law 羅旭能 (@mrbenjaminlaw) July 5, 2020

For all Poh's eccentric ways, there's no denying her sheer skill as a chef. Her chaos was always matched with creativity; her turbulent timing nothing on her tenacity. Let's not forget she's almost 50. She even left with a smile & humility. National treasure indeed. #MasterChefAU pic.twitter.com/RVGbqFWCrq

— Sahar Adatia (@sahar_adatia) July 5, 2020

If Poh goes, it will go down as the equivalent to Molly dying on A Country Practice #MasterChefAU I cant watch 😭

— Gabrielle Jackson (@gabriellecj) July 5, 2020

There should be a #MasterChefAU spinoff series where all the judges have to cook for Poh.

— Adam Liaw (@adamliaw) July 5, 2020

As Poh’s #MasterchefAU campaign ends... so too does 2020’s last chance at redemption.

— Michael Lucas (@MrMichaelLucas) July 5, 2020

Poh is a national treasure, it’s been such a joy watching her on TV and I’m going to miss her every single weeknight #MasterChefAU

— Basic Masterchef Quotes (@BasicMasterchef) July 5, 2020

Ok I’m going to watch Babysitter’s club. I need soothing. So long darling Poh, your time necromancy and self doubt despite your brilliance will not be forgotten. #MasterChefAU

— Em Rusciano (@EmRusciano) July 5, 2020

I think this is actually the saddest moment I have experienced watching TV ever. Poh is just such a joy to watch and hear. Her laugh and joy is so infectious. #MasterChefAU

— Tim Hutton (@TimHuttonAu) July 5, 2020

#MasterChefAU I agree with Melissa's statement that Poh is a national treasure!!!! This series was so much better off for having Poh grace this competition for so long! She's such a joy to watch on TV. Her personality and her heart make her a living legend!!!

— Scott Goodacre (@scgoodacre) July 5, 2020

There are now just five contestants left on MasterChef: Callum Hann, Emelia Jackson, Laura Sharrad, Reece Hignell and Reynold Poernomo.

MasterChef Australia continues tonight at 7.30pm on Channel 10