Former MasterChef star Melissa Leong has insisted she feels nothing but love for her co-stars on the Channel 10 cooking show.
The food critic and TV personality addressed rumors of a feud between her and fellow judge Andy Allen and the late Jock Zonfrillo in a candid chat with Chron Australia at The Birdcage at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday.
“This is not my first rodeo,” Leong, 41, explained, shrugging off the speculative stories that are par for the course in the high-stakes world of reality TV.
When pressed about the friction on the MasterChef set, Leong said: “I have nothing but love and respect for not only Andy but everyone I’ve worked with.”
“We’re a team, we’re a family, and that’s all you really need to know,” Melissa added.
Former Masterchef star Melissa Leong has insisted she feels nothing but love for her co-stars on the Channel 10 cooking show. Pictured on Tuesday
“Again, these things [claims] “are self-evident,” she explained.
When asked about the grief felt by the MasterChef family following Zonfrillo’s shocking death, Leong demurred.
“I guess I just can’t say that out of respect for everyone involved and the way everyone deals with grief individually.”
However, Melissa’s excitement was palpable as she discussed her new gig as host on Dessert Masters.
When pressed by Chron Australia about tensions on the MasterChef set, Leong said: “I have nothing but love and respect for not only Andy but everyone I’ve worked with.” Pictured with co-stars: Andy Allen and Jock Zonfrillo
She describes it as a “dream come true” and is ready to co-host with Amaury Guichon, considered the hottest pastry chef in the world.
On the personal side of things, fans have been speculating about a rekindled romance with her ex Rob Mason lately.
When it came to matters of the heart, Leong maintained her composure and subtly steered the conversation back to her professional life.
“This is completely inappropriate,” she remarked.
Leong instead chose to focus on her various ventures, including her upcoming SBS documentary series The Hospital: In The Deep End.
“I’m so focused on all the incredible projects,” she said.
She describes it as a “dream come true” and is ready to co-host with Amaury Guichon, considered the hottest pastry chef in the world
Zonfrillo’s widow Lauren Fried reacted to the new cast of MasterChef Australia last month following Leong’s exit from the show.
The upcoming sixteenth season will feature three new judges – series alum Poh Ling Yeow, Michelin-starred chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and food critic Sofia Levin – alongside returning host Andy Allen.
Following the announcement, Fried shared on Instagram that Zonfrillo was “very happy” with the new lineup – which no longer includes Leong.
Her remark sparked speculation that Zonfrillo, who died of natural causes on April 30 at the age of 46, did not get along with Leong behind the scenes.
Off-topic: When it came to matters of the heart, Leong maintained her composure and subtly steered the conversation back to her professional life
EXCLUSIVE: MasterChef’s Melissa Leong breaks her silence on alleged feuds with co-star judges: ‘Nothing but love and respect’