Why judge Melissa Leong was absent from MasterChef last night

MasterChef viewers were full of speculation on Monday night when Melissa Leong was mysteriously and suddenly absent from screens.

Nick Bond

@bondnickbond

less than 2 min read

May 26, 2020 - 11:03PM

MasterChef fans tuning in to Monday night’s episode were in for a double surprise early in the show.

Firstly, this is the first episode to have been filmed after coronavirus restrictions were put in place, meaning the close-knit MasterChef judges and contestants were suddenly spread far across the kitchen to follow social distancing guidelines.

Secondly: Judge Melissa Leong, notable for her sudden absence.

Social distancing + no Mel = a very sparse judging panel

“Melissa couldn’t be with us today, but she’ll be back on deck tomorrow,” judge Jock Zonfrillo told the contestants before moving swiftly along with the show. Viewers weren’t quite so quick to move on from the surprise absence of one of this season’s breakout stars:

#MasterChefAU
Jock: Mel (@fooderati) canâ€™t join us today
Me: pic.twitter.com/1EklZ2SVhM
— domeanddodders (@domeanddodders) May 25, 2020

Also. No Melissa??? THEN WHY BOTHER FILMING #MasterChefAU pic.twitter.com/ePQzcu0zuY
— Fiza Zali (@fizawanders) May 25, 2020

The episode is missing Melissa. Badly. #MasterchefAU
— The Washing Up (@thewashingup) May 25, 2020

BUT Is it masterchef WITHOUT mel though??!?!?! #MasterChefAU
— ðŸ (@nubby_han) May 25, 2020

Some viewers speculated that perhaps it was no coincidence Leong’s absence aligned with coronavirus restrictions being put in place – was she in iso? Or off getting tested for coronavirus?

Leong explained her absence in an Instagram post after the episode had aired last night.

“We’ve reached the point in our season where COVID rules come into play. As a food show, hygiene is always at the top of mind and practice, but now you’ll see social distancing, too,” she wrote.

“For those of you wondering where I am in this landmark episode, I had sinusitis and took myself to the GP in order to do the safe, thorough and responsible thing in such uncertain times. I was cleared and returned to set the next day.”

Leong told her followers that the MasterChef cast and crew “take the health and safety of each other and our community seriously and feel fortunate to continue bringing you a season we’re thrilled you love”.

So there you have it – expect to see a thankfully coronavirus-free Leong back on screens tonight.