TV’s ugliest feud resurfaces as Melissa Leong feared publicity tour after alleged beef with former MasterChef co-star Andy Allen – and details of their fight are revealed

As a die-hard fan of MasterChef Australia, I’ve been through the highs and lows with this beloved show for years now. And let me tell you, the latest drama surrounding Melissa Leong, Andy Allen, and the network is nothing short of a culinary soap opera!

On Sunday, the second season of Channel 10’s popular spin-off show Dessert Masters based on MasterChef premiered. However, just before the launch, the PR team of presenter Melissa Leong found themselves in a state of emergency.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I can share that from a reliable source close by, it appears the renowned culinary master, aged 42, has been feeling apprehensive about engaging with the press recently, given the rumors of a strained relationship with his former MasterChef Australia companion, Andy Allen.

According to the report, Leong appears to be setting things up for a comeback on MasterChef Australia, but without Allen this time.

A TV source informed Daily Mail Australia that Melissa plans to return to MasterChef Australia once Andy Allen does.

It appears that Melissa might find it challenging or intimidating to revert back to the original format of the show. The only scenario under which she could possibly return would be if there were significant changes made to the entire structure and concept of the program.

Last year, Melissa departed from MasterChef Australia amidst whispers of a suspected disagreement or conflict with her previous co-host, Allen.

2022 reports revealed strained relationships behind the scenes between Leong and Endemol Shine’s staff working on MasterChef Australia. Subsequently, it emerged that Leong would not be part of the show’s cast any longer.

In an unexpected turn of events, I left my followers and the network in a state of surprise when I announced my departure on Instagram, just hours before our annual Upfronts in 2024.

Last October, Leong wrote, “I’ve always looked forward to the transition, and I’m thrilled to make it happen on my own terms, here and now.

This year, friendly Allen came back as a judge on the show, joined by three other judges: popular figure Poh Ling Yeow, renowned Michelin-star chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Melbourne food critic Sofia Levin.

Leong left the company after rumors surfaced that her dismissal was due to multiple on-set disputes, which gained attention outside of the camera frame.

In 2022, there was a well-known incident involving Leong and his disagreement with both the regular and backup freelance hairstylists on the program’s hair and make-up team.

According to the source, Andy harbors no grudge against Leong. However, it was mentioned that Andy had criticized Leong for spending too much time on hairstyling and makeup in the past.

‘He felt her control over what was filmed was compromised by her perfectionism.’

10 Channel and Endemol Shine failed to address any of the accusations after being reached out by Daily Mail Australia for comment.

According to the source, Leong left her previous position at Dessert Masters as a means of demonstrating her capabilities to network officials during a cooling-off period.

In the initial season of “Dessert Masters,” an assortment of skilled Australian pastry artists vied for a grand prize of $100,000, while also boosting the television network’s ratings during the challenging landscape of the reality TV genre.

In the first broadcast, a total of 451,000 Australians from various cities tuned in, while many viewers lavished praise on the esteemed television figure.

In the year 2025, a group of ten confirmed Masters of culinary art will be organizing a special edition called “All Stars,” where popular contestants from previous seasons will return with the aim of reclaiming their titles: “Back for Another Chance to Triumph.

Known worldwide for his culinary prowess, Gordon Ramsay, often referred to as one of the most iconic chefs, will also take up the role as a fifth judge.

The second season of Dessert Masters was given a paltry plug by comparison. 

‘People said it wasn’t compelling enough to greenlight the show again,’ the insider continued. 

At the Upfronts, Network Ten revealed that Masterchef Australia will return next year; however, they did not provide details about the potential filming of the third season of Dessert Masters.

What Leong will do next for the Ten Network is yet to be revealed.

2025 marks the return of Dessert Masters, which lies within the confines of Ten, but the network has postponed an official declaration until after the second season concludes its broadcast.

Previously, Daily Mail Australia was informed by a representative from Ten that there was significant anticipation surrounding the launch of Dessert Masters.

‘In 2024, we are delighted to plate up second helpings.’

Previously known as a well-respected food critic and journalist, Leong gained widespread recognition when he joined MasterChef Australia with Allen and the late Jock Zonfrillo, ultimately becoming a familiar name in many households.

In May 2023, she went to Zonfrillo’s funeral accompanied by a group, similar to Allen, but unlike him, she didn’t have a significant part during the service.

Lauren Fried, the wife of the late Zonfrillo, fueled speculation about potential discord among the panel of MasterChef Australia judges when she expressed her thoughts regarding the newly appointed judges on Instagram.

In a long social media post, she wrote that her late husband would be ‘very happy’ with the line-up without Leong.

Four years ago, Andy Allen unexpectedly entered our lives, and ever since then, he has been an incredibly cherished friend to Jock. They share a common love for food and fun, and he has always demonstrated genuine concern for our family. This surprise encounter brought immense joy to Jock,” she shared previously.

‘These individuals appreciate and honor the opportunity to be involved in this remarkable spectacle. They understand that their collective strength surpasses that of each person separately, and they are committed to fostering contestants as they transform their culinary aspirations into tangible realities.’

Regarding speculation about tension on the MasterChef Australia set before her unexpected move in 2023, Leong stated: “I hold nothing but affection and admiration, not just for Andy, but for everyone I’ve collaborated with.

‘We’re a team, we’re a family, and that’s all you need to know really.’

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2024-10-15 07:19