MasterChef: The Professionals judge Monica Galetti revealed the reason behind her return to the show as the new series began on Monday night.
The 46-year-old chef announced her decision to quit her role as a judge on the BBC show last year to focus on her family after her then 15-year-old nephew was diagnosed with cancer.
But now she’s back and has explained on The Mid-Point podcast what motivated her to return to the popular cooking series.
She said, “I’ve been to a therapist.” I’ve never done that before.
“I’ve never had so many things happening at the same time, I needed outside help – someone I could just discuss everything with. “It was one of the best things I’ve done.”
Previous: MasterChef: The Professionals judge Monica Galetti revealed the reason for her return to the show as the new series began on Monday night
Difficult: The 46-year-old chef announced her decision to quit her role as a judge on the BBC show last year to focus on her family after her then 15-year-old nephew was diagnosed with cancer
“I feel more energized and excited to be back this year after having this time off.”
The chef announced last April that she was leaving MasterChef Professionals after 14 years because she felt “she had to be split into four people” to meet the demands of raising her daughter and running her restaurant entail.
Speaking to the Times, Monica explained that part of the reason was because she had to juggle the workload with running her restaurant Mere, which was suffering from a staff shortage.
However, she revealed that her biggest motivation for quitting MasterChef was to spend time with her family after her nephew Otis was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumor – a rare and aggressive cancer that causes tumors in the abdominal cavity.
Otis lives in New Zealand, but Monica said they were very close as he was the same age as her 14-year-old daughter Anaïs, who she shares with husband David.
Otis was undergoing chemotherapy, but Monica said at the time, “We were told it wasn’t a cure. It’s just buying us time.”
In a statement, Monica said she was taking a step back from TV roles to focus on her family and her London restaurant.
Getting in touch: But now she’s back and has explained on The Mid-Point podcast what made her return to the popular cooking series
Monica said in her statement: “It is with a heavy heart that I have made the decision to step away from filming this year’s series of MasterChef: The Professionals.”
“My family needs me, my restaurant needs me, and trying to balance the long days of filming over the next three months with all of those commitments meant something had to give.”
“So at the moment I have to concentrate 100% on my loved ones and rebuilding my kitchen team, which has suffered particularly badly in the last few months.” Anyone who works in the hospitality industry knows how hard it is at the moment.
“To my MasterChef family, my team and my friends, I’m so sorry I can’t be with you this year, but I hope to be back soon.”
She continued: “Thank you to the BBC and Shine TV for understanding my decision, but this year I will be your main supporter on the sidelines.”
“To my fellow judges and friends Marcus and Gregg – I’ll be watching – you got this! If you’re ever unsure, just think: What would Mon do?! See you soon!’
Sarah Clay, Entertainment Editor, said: “Monica is a valued member of the MasterChef family and while we will miss her expertise and invaluable cooking and food knowledge, we fully support her taking a break from filming to focus on her family and her “We wish her the best of luck and hope to see her back in the MasterChef kitchen in the future.”
David Ambler, editor-in-chief of MasterChef, added: “Monica is one of the most talented chefs of her generation. We have worked closely together over the last 14 years and consider her an integral member of the MasterChef family.”
“We hope that this situation only applies to this season and that the door for a return is always open.” ]
Opening: She explained, “I feel more energized and excited to be back this year after having this time off.”
The star delighted fans earlier this year by announcing that she would soon be returning to MasterChef: The Professionals.
She posted: “A year ago I made the difficult decision to take a break from MasterChef The Professionals,” she said via Instagram.
“I am so grateful for everyone’s support in giving me some time off to focus on managing business and family commitments.”
“I’m excited to say I’m returning to MasterChef: The Professionals this year and I’m really excited to see what new talent is out there and to be with my friends @greggawallace and @marcuswareing again.”