The second season of Channel 10’s Dessert Masters premiered under a cloud of controversy surrounding Melissa Leong. Reports surfaced of a feud between Leong and former MasterChef Australia co-star Andy Allen, leading to speculation about Leong’s return to the original show. Leong reportedly expressed that she would only return to MasterChef Australia if the format was revamped, indicating her reluctance to return under the current setup. Leong left MasterChef Australia last year amidst rumors of backstage tensions and was not included in the latest lineup.
Leong’s departure from MasterChef Australia followed a series of off-camera dramas, including a reported blow-up with the hair and makeup team. Despite claims of a feud between Leong and Allen, it was said that Allen harbored no ill feelings towards his former colleague, with one source alleging that Leong’s perfectionism in hair and makeup led to time wasted behind the scenes. Leong’s move to Dessert Masters was seen as a bid to prove her worth to network executives while waiting for the controversy to subside. Dessert Masters’ first season garnered positive reviews, with a second season announced, albeit receiving less attention compared to MasterChef Australia.
Leong, known for her role as a food critic and journalist, rose to fame alongside Allen and the late Jock Zonfrillo on MasterChef Australia. Zonfrillo’s widow, Lauren Fried, added fuel to the fire of rumors of a feud between the trio of judges by expressing her approval of the show’s new lineup without Leong. Fried’s social media post highlighted the close friendship between Allen and Zonfrillo, suggesting a preference for the current judging panel over the previous one. Despite rumors of tension on the set, Leong reiterated her respect and admiration for her colleagues, emphasizing their teamwork and camaraderie.
The return of MasterChef Australia for another season in 2025 was announced, featuring an All Stars lineup with past fan-favorite contestants. However, Leong’s future with the network remains unclear, with rumors of Dessert Masters returning in 2025. Network Ten has yet to confirm the show’s renewal, delaying an official announcement until after the second season airs. Leong’s rumored feud with Allen, coupled with her departure from MasterChef Australia, has left fans speculating about her next career move within the network.
While Leong faced challenges within the MasterChef Australia franchise, it was reported that she navigated disagreements with crew members and freelance staff. The alleged tension between Leong and the production team may have contributed to her departure from the show, although official responses from Channel 10 and Endemol Shine were not provided. Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, Leong’s professionalism in handling press tours and publicity events showcased her dedication to her role on Dessert Masters and her commitment to proving herself in the industry. As the speculation continues around Leong’s potential return to MasterChef Australia and the future of Dessert Masters, fans eagerly await further developments within the popular culinary TV genre.
