MasterChef finale: Viewers surprised to learn Ben Ungermann has three children

THERE was a touching moment in last night’s finale when Ben was reunited with his loved ones which left viewers wanting to know more.

THERE was a particularly touching moment in last night’s MasterChef finale when final contestants Ben and Diana were reunited with their family members.

But immediately after the emotional reunion aired, viewers took to social media to express their surprise that youthful looking Ben Ungermann, 32, had a teenage daughter.

The Queenslander, who pocketed $40,000 for coming second in the reality cooking show, sailed through the show but came up short in a nail-biting finale.

Although Ben had spoken about his family during the season, viewers were still taken by surprise when the proud dad welcomed two of his three children onto the set.

Viewers wanted to know how fresh-faced Ben could have a teenage daughter, as well as sons Phoenix, 9 and Oli, 7.

News.com.au can confirm Ben was still a teen himself when he became a dad for the first time, welcoming daughter Ella, 13, to the world when he was 19 years old.

Ben Ungermann’s son and daughter look on in awe at their dad.

Speaking to news.com.au, Ungermann said that his kids were over the moon with his performance on MasterChef despite the fact he narrowly missed out on winning.

“My family have been extremely supportive and proud of my journey after the announcement and my Oma couldn’t be prouder that I got all the way and shared my Dutch heritage with Australia!” he said.

The runner-up was born to a Dutch mother and a Dutch-Indonesian father and plans to open a restaurant to honour his grandparents who taught him to cook.

“I’m excited to continue my passion for food and I’ll keep working towards my Dutch restaurant, offering an updated take on traditional Dutch cuisine,” he said.

“Throughout the competition, I have also found a love for uniquely-flavoured ice cream and I hope to one day launch my own ice cream range.”

Queensland MasterChef contestant Ben Ungermann with his girlfriend of four years, Alicia Miller. Picture: Tara Croser.

Originally published as MasterChef finale: Viewers surprised to learn Ben Ungermann has three children