MasterChef’s Melissa Leong: On food, fashion and the fine art of criticism

The television host and food critic talks to us about the new season of ‘MasterChef Australia,’ how her equation with Jock and Andy has evolved, her fashion choices on the sets of the hit reality show, and more

After making her name for decades as a food critic, writer and presenter, Melissa Leong took television by storm after being announced as one of the new judges of MasterChef Australia. In her third consecutive season now (apart from the Junior and Celebrity versions) on the hit cooking reality show, ‘Mel’ is a household name and one of the most-adored TV celebrities globally, even being voted Who Magazine’s Sexiest Person of 2020.

But Mel is much more than her on-screen persona, or indeed, her looks and fashion choices; the Australian has also come in for a lot of praise due to her mental health advocacy and stance on representation for women of colour. 

Currently part of Season 14 — Fans & Favourites, which features 12 new contestants and 12 former contestants — Mel continues to be one of the most endearing aspects of the show, mentoring and working with the cooks as they fight their way to the title, all the while regaling in her banter with co-hosts Jock Zonfrillo and Andy Allen.

Excerpts from an exclusive Zoom interview:

As much as I’m aware of the spectacular achievements of these former contestants, I kind of have to put that aside and just meet people on the day, and judge what’s in front of me. 

As we always like to say, judge the food; not the people. But obviously it’s a great thrill to have some of these incredible characters back in the kitchen. Not in the least because they’re wonderful people, but also because of the way the audience resonates with them. It’s just a privilege to watch it all up so close.

No, I really tried not to read the feedback. Our wonderful publicity team do let us know how it’s been received. And with great relief and also great happiness, we’ve been told that we’ve been received really well, and that’s a wonderful thing.