Melissa Leong opens up on sudden MasterChef exit
Melissa Leong has addressed the "chaos" and "confusion" behind the recent rumours that she got axed from MasterChef Australia in a statement released on Instagram.
The food critic revealed that she voluntarily chose to leave the show, as she embraces a "new delicious chapter" of her life.
“I get that there is going to be a bit of confusion and chaos about the ‘why’ of it all right now," she wrote in the statement released on Instagram.
"I’m here and happy to clear that up, because negative tropes draped around women who achieve something is boring, and frankly we are all better than that,” she continued.
“This is a shift I embrace with joy. One that allows everyone involved, to expand. To put it plainly, I’m very fortunate to continue to be a key part of [MasterChef], yet have the space to evolve my career.
“In effect, I get to have my cake and eat it too…and what could be better than that?!”
This statement comes just two days after Leong thanked Network Ten for it's continued support, after three years on the show alongside Andy Allen and the late Jock Zonfrillo.
“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!” she wrote in the Instagram post.
She added that she is looking forward to share a few new projects that she has coming up, including the upcoming second season of Dessert Masters Australia on Ten, which she will co-host with pastry chef Amaury Guichon.
"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!
"My gratitude to our audience for all your support, can't wait for you to see the new show."
Leong will be replaced by 2009 MasterChef runner-up Poh Ling Yeow and Michelin star chef Jean-Christophe Novelli.
Leong shared her well-wishes for the new judges.
“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,”
“The changing of the guard is one I always planned to embrace, and I’m so glad to do that, on my terms, today.”
Images: Getty