Poh Ling Yeow shuts down swirling MasterChef Australia fan theory

Fans have levelled accusations against MasterChef this season following a series of divisive eliminations. Now, Poh has revealed the truth.

Both times Poh Ling Yeow appeared as a contestant on MasterChef Australia, she was paranoid there were show favourites.

In her first season as a judge on the 2024 season of the long-running Channel 10 cooking show, fan theories have been rampant regarding the four judges’ potential favouritism following a series of controversial eliminations.

Now, having experienced the show from the other side of the kitchen table alongside newcomers Jean-Christophe Novelli, Sofia Levin and existing judge Andy Allen, the Adelaide chef has revealed the truth.

“I did have my conspiracies when I was on the show, but everyone does when you’re a contestant,” she tells news.com.au ahead of Tuesday’s finale.

“But I can honestly tell you, that’s just not the case. There is no room for anything but fairness.

“It’s a really comprehensive process and in-depth discussion that leads to the final decision. In fact, we are often divided. There is no way favouritism comes into play.”

Poh joined MasterChef Australia as a judge this season.

Poh, who first graced screens on the debut season of MasterChef in 2009 where she placed runner-up behind Julie Goodwin, experienced a full circle moment when she was announced as a judge for the sixteenth season, following the departure of Melissa Leong and sudden death of Jock Zonfrillo in April last year.

Despite her frequent appearances on screens over the years, and emergence as a fan favourite on the 2020 series MasterChef: Back To Win, Poh admitted she was “absolutely terrified” when she landed the coveted gig.

“I really was nervous, it’s a completely different thing from being a contestant,” she says.

“It took me three quarters into the season to feel comfortable in the role.

“It’s not easy, finding different ways to talk about the food, not getting too involved with the contestants when you can see them struggling, and all the behind the scenes stuff of making a TV show.

“To be honest, I did find it challenging, but producers would keep saying to me, ‘Just be yourself’. I’m looking forward going into next season with more confidence.”

Julie Goodwin and Poh Ling Yeow starred in the first MasterChef finale in 2009.

This year’s new look judging panel included Jean-Christophe Novelli, Sofia Levin, Poh Ling Yeow and Andy Allen.

Poh celebrated turning 50 in December, taking to social media with an insightful post about what she’d learned over the years.

To her surprise, it prompted an outpouring of shock among her fanbase, many of whom believed she was much younger.

The cookbook author laughs awkwardly at the commentary surrounding her “ageless” appearance.

“I mean, I am flattered by that [commentary],” she says.

“To be honest, I try not to read too much online. I just prefer to limit my exposure to what’s being said, but for the most part, I have only ever felt love from the Australian public. I feel very lucky.”

Poh celebrated turning 50 in December.

The TV star is often described among her fans as being ‘ageless’.

Part of that admiration could be credited to Poh’s ability to be candid about life’s more imperfect moments.

In May, the TV star opened up about the pain of navigating two divorces, revealing her unorthodox relationship with her exes.

Poh, who was married to Matt Phipps from 1989 until 1999 and Jonathan Bennett from 2009 until 2021, gave a deeply personal interview on the Share My Mood podcast, saying how she’d managed to remain on good terms with both her ex-husbands, despite the fact Phipps went on to marry her best friend of 20 years, Sarah.

“Losing myself was the first [reason of divorce],” she confessed on the podcast.

“He’s still my ride or die and we still have the hugest (fights) in front of his partner, who’s my best friend. That’s part of the whole awesome, weird story. We’re all still really good mates.”

Poh was married to Matt Phipps (pictured) from 1989 until 1999. Picture: Denys Finney

Asked if she’s comfortable sharing such intimate details with the public, Poh said she rather enjoyed the opportunity to unpack her experiences, and at the same time, share a side to her viewers don’t get to see.

“What has been really nice with getting this job is the profile being on a show like MasterChef gives you to do these more long-form interviews,” she says.

“They have been quite [cathartic] for me. I’m a pretty open book. I have really liked the opportunity to talk about things more in-depth, because I’m not just the crazy Poh that people have come to see on TV.

“I mean, I am that, but there’s a lot more to me.”

Meanwhile, Tuesday’s much-anticipated finale will see Josh Perry and Nat Thaipun battle it out to take home the title, and a whopping $250,000 cash prize.

The MasterChef Australia finale airs Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel 10

Originally published as Poh Ling Yeow shuts down swirling MasterChef Australia fan theory