Why Melissa Leong’s MasterChef exit is a smart move

Ten’s decision to go with a new look MasterChef line up was the right call, says TV writer Lisa Woolford.

Whether it was much loved judge Melissa Leong’s own choice – and I hope it was – or Ten’s decision to go with a new look MasterChef line up, it was the right call.

It was always going to be nigh-on impossible for Ten to recapture the magic that was the trio of Leong, Andy Allen and Jock Zonfrillo, by simply replacing the celebrated Scottish chef whose sudden death shocked fans in May.

There was some initial consternation when the three were announced to step into the ginormous void left by Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan.

The trio had barely met before taking over the reins of one of Australia’s biggest-rating shows. There wasn’t even a chemistry test, which seems insane given they were replacing the long-established and beloved OG judges.

Melissa Leong with Andy Allen, Jock Zonfrillo and Luke Nguyen during his appearance on Masterchef for the presssure cook challenge. Picture: Supplied

But audiences – trapped at home in the first terrifying wave of Covid – fell pretty much instantly in love with the heartwarming Back To Win season. And with the judges with their perfect alchemy of a deep passion and knowledge of food, mixed with Allen’s exuberance, Zonfrillo’s Scottish charisma and seemingly hollow legs and unending appetite, plus Leong’s elegance and eloquence.

The trio also became tight friends. You’d have pitied the chef who would have had to try to slot in, possibly forever tagged as Zonfrillo’s replacement.

Sure Jamie Oliver would have been an amazing recruit – but, despite all the noise and conjecture, the busy chef with a cookbook empire, TV shows of his own plus a large and still rather young family, was never going to be able to accommodate the full-on and lengthy MC schedule.

Allen has been frank about his wrestling with whether to continue, saying “After an extremely difficult year in 2023, and upon reflection, the decision to return to the series is not one I took lightly.”

Melissa LeongPicture: Getty Images

It’s inevitable that Leong had the same struggles. She’s a class act and her dignified and – as always – beautifully written Instagram post says it all.

“My time as co-host and judge on @MasterChefAU has been a great gift. To have been given the opportunity to learn and grow – and now to be given the vote of confidence to expand and evolve the MasterChef universe is huge!

Stepping away from the main show and into #DessertMastersAU alongside the extraordinary @AmauryGuichon, is yet another sweet present indeed.

It is with great warmth and enthusiasm that I wish this new line-up of judges and hosts all the best in making it theirs, and big love to @andyallencooks for leading the way.”

Her post continued, and, reading between the lines, she was able to have some control over the announcement.

“The changing of the guard is one I always planned to embrace, and I’m so glad to do that, on my terms, today.”

Leong is working on new projects behind the scenes.

And she hinted at a heap of other projects to come.

“On top of all that joy, I am excited to share with you (soon), some other projects I’ve been working on behind the scenes, so watch this space!”

While fans will miss seeing her kindly guiding the contestants in the pressure cooker that is MC kitchen, or tearing up at the absolute perfection of the contestant’s heart and soul on their plate – the icing on the cake is that we won’t be completely without her eloquent and thoughtful advice, (and on a completely superficial level – her sartorial splendour – statement piece earrings, lipstick immaculately in place as she samples the goods).

There’s still the debut season of the latest addition to the MCU (as in MasterChef Universe – not Marvel) Dessert Masters to come. Ten’s already so confident of its success with Leong at the helm alongside pastry whiz and social media sensation Amaury Guichon at her side, that it’s already whipped up a second helping.

And I’m sure countless people just like me will have their viewing bowls ready.

Originally published as Why Melissa Leong’s MasterChef exit is a smart move