The latest episode of MasterChef Australia lost a bit of its sparkle with fan favourite judge, Poh Ling Yeow, being mysteriously absent from the action.
On Tuesday night’s episodes, as the contestants rushed into the MasterChef kitchen to compete in an air fryer challenge for a chance at immunity, they were greeted by only three judges standing beside a mysterious box. “Poh looks so different today,” joked one contestant, as judge Sofia Levin added, “They probably think Poh is going to come out of the box.”
However, judge Andy Allen soon confirmed that Poh was a no-show. “Unfortunately, Poh can’t join us today, but Sweet Week is in full swing,” he told the contestants.
Given that any judges’ absence from the episodes is typically explained as due to illness or other commitments, Andy’s explanation was a bit… vague?
So, where was Poh? Channel 10 has since elaborated on the celebrity chef’s whereabouts in an exclusive statement to WHO.
“Our MasterChef Australia judges may occasionally miss an episode due to personal reasons. Viewers can expect Poh back in the MasterChef Australia kitchen tonight,” a Network 10 spokesperson said.
Fans react to Poh Ling Yeow being missing from MasterChef
MasterChef fans were left confused during Tuesday’s episode when Poh was missing from the typical awesome foursome line-up of judges. Many of them took to X to share their sadness over the judging fave’s absence.
“I missed Poh’s insights this episode, she literally operates a pastry and dessert stall,” wrote one user on X. “Where’s Poh?” pondered another.
One fan made light of the situation by suggesting Poh had merely had enough of the long season. “Hasn’t this season been going for 178 weeks already? Even Poh has had enough and bailed!” joked another.
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Past judges who have been missing from MasterChef episodes
Poh’s no-show is not unusual. MasterChef Australia judges have occasionally been absent from episodes.
Back in 2020, then-judge Melissa Leong was missing from a Back To Win team relay challenge, leaving Andy Allen and late judge Jock Zonfrillo to judge without her. The episode aired during the show’s COVID-affected production period, when MasterChef was adjusting to social distancing and revised safety protocols.
In 2021, Melissa was noticeably absent from another elimination. Melissa hasn’t publicly explained every individual absence, but she has spoken more broadly about her mental health and having a codeword on set for when she was struggling.
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