Movies

MasterChef Australia’s Poh Ling Yeoh shares the downside of starring on the cover of Australian Women’s Weekly

BBG News

MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeoh shares the downside of starring on the cover of Australian Women's Weekly

It is truly heartwarming and inspiring to delve into the life story of Poh, a woman who has faced adversities with grace and resilience. Her experiences, from her marriages to her losses, paint a picture of a strong individual who has learned to navigate through life’s complexities with an open heart and a clear mind.

Poh Ling Yeow openly discusses the challenges she encountered after appearing on the front page of a well-known women’s publication.

The former MasterChef judge, 50, fronts the new issue of the Australian Women’s Weekly. 

I couldn’t help but notice, as I was out and about, the billboard showcasing a popular magazine, featuring none other than myself – me, your dedicated follower!

However, she soon realised that the photo could be easy prey for canny vandals. 

Quietly, I can’t help but eagerly anticipate the arrival of the latest issue… It’s as if time itself is standing still until I get my hands on it, all thanks to that captivating poster at my nearby bus stop.

‘Whatever happened to just a moustache, black tooth and glasses?’ joked one fan in the comments.

MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeoh shares the downside of starring on the cover of Australian Women's Weekly

‘One can only imagine. We can only hope that it stays as pretty as it is,’ said another.  

In a playful manner, someone said, “I’d give you a dirty mustache as a joke! I always carry a pen, just like a sharpie, with me.

Following Poh’s emotional confession that she felt ‘remorseful’ about her mother’s passing, this occurred during her interview with The Australian Women’s Weekly.

In November 2022, the television personality tragically lost her mother, Christina, due to cancer. At the time of her passing, the celebrity was working abroad.

Poh sadly expressed her remorse for taking the foreign vacation, mentioning that she continues to regret this decision as she thoughtfully considered Christina’s prolonged struggle with cancer.

In her weak state, she urged me to proceed, yet looking back, I wish I hadn’t – the experience has left an indelible scar, she shared with the publication.

Throughout her entire course of treatment, she didn’t utter a single complaint – such an admirable stoicism. I had full confidence that she would triumph over this challenge, adding at least a few more months, if not years, to her life.

‘I took her courage for granted, but it turned out to be the worst rolling of a dice ever.’

MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeoh shares the downside of starring on the cover of Australian Women's Weekly

This year, I found myself emotionally moved when Poh shared a heart-wrenching moment about her mother on MasterChef, as her tears fell just like the ingredients she so carefully prepares.

As I stood there, tears streaming down my face, I couldn’t help but reflect upon a remarkable transformation – one that began when my mother, a woman born and raised in Malaysia, found herself struggling to express her affection for me. Yet, the moment Poh stepped into the limelight as a finalist on MasterChef Australia in 2009, everything changed. The triumph of her culinary journey allowed her to open her heart in ways she never thought possible. As I watched her shine, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for my mother’s resilience and the incredible woman she has become.

The poignant scene unfolded as contestant Nat shared that her mother expressed pride in her for the first time upon securing a place on the show, prompting Poh to relate her personal story.

After appearing on MasterChef, Poh shared tearfully, it was one of the initial instances where my mom openly conveyed her pride in me.

Moved deeply, she went on: “Perhaps that’s why this kitchen stirs such strong emotions within me. It has touched so many aspects of my life beyond just cooking.

Preparing meals together turned out to be something special that brought us closer, as we both shared an Asian trait of finding it challenging to openly express our affection.

‘So, it’s just so amazing how this kitchen connects us in so many different ways.’

Two years following Christina’s death, Poh acknowledged that her grief unexpectedly surfaces at unexpected moments.

MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeoh shares the downside of starring on the cover of Australian Women's Weekly

She shared with Refinery 29 that it tends to appear at the least expected moments. She also noted that it often happens when one’s mind is less engaged, such as during routine tasks like driving.

When you’re engrossed in activities or busy, it’s as if you’re suppressing your grief, yet at unexpected moments, it seems to surface and greet you.

In a chat with Women’s Weekly, Poh additionally pondered over various connections in her existence, acknowledging the challenges she faced during her experience of two marital separations.

Poh shared the reasons behind her choice to remain unmarried following two previous marriages, as well as disclosed the factors that could end a potential new relationship for her.

She expressed that managing another person in her life seems challenging given her past experiences of two marriages. She feels the need for a fresh approach, suggesting a new model. Her idea of maintaining separate living spaces appears brilliant to her.

Poh married her first husband Matt Phipps in 1989 but they separated after nine years together.

In 2014, the television personality got married to Jono Bennett, but they parted ways in early 2021, ending a six-year relationship.

She keeps a positive relationship with both of her former spouses, and she’s shared candidly about the methods she uses to keep strong friendships with both of them.

MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeoh shares the downside of starring on the cover of Australian Women's Weekly

Following her divorces, Poh managed the Jamface café in Adelaide jointly with both of her former spouses and Sarah Rich (Matt’s new spouse). This unique “love quadrangle” business setup generated significant curiosity.

On the Share My Mood podcast, Poh discussed her journey in maintaining a relationship with Matt, who is now wedded to her long-time friend, Sarah, for the past 20 years.

She shared that she remains on good terms with both Matt and Sarah, using the words ‘fantastic’ and ‘uncanny’ to express her feelings about their remarkable ability to keep their relationship so strong.

She shared with Will & Woody on the KIIS Network that he remains my most trusted companion, Matt, and we continue to have significant arguments in his presence, as his partner happens to be my closest friend.

‘That’s the part of the whole awesome, weird story. We’re all still really good mates.’

Poh mentioned that by addressing her lingering feelings for someone else, she managed to establish a positive connection with Matt, enabling them both to move forward in their lives.

She expressed: “When individuals continue to react strongly to their partners, it suggests that there’s something within them that still exerts control. To start fresh in a new relationship, one might want to break free from this influence.

She shared that her separation from Matt occurred due to a loss of self-identity within their troubled relationship.

Frankly speaking, she admitted that their partnership wouldn’t be suitable for a marriage, but remarkably, they continued to maintain a strong friendship following their separation.

Read More

2024-12-10 16:18

Previous post Coleen Rooney opens up about ‘uncomfortable’ first few days in the I’m A Celeb camp and reveals she thought she would be ‘too quiet’ to compete with big personalities