Okay, nobody panic, but we just got an update on the “secret MasterChef romance” rumours from one of the contestants suspected to be involved.
Since last week, fans have been watching the show intently for any clues about which of the cooks could be romantically linked, and it’s proven tricky since “all of this year’s contestants are very close and supportive”, as one viewer noted online.
However, it’s suspected that Alyona and Petro are together for several reasons, including a comment from a fellow cook, a lingering hug, and some resurfaced behind-the-scenes photos.
Now, Alyona has addressed the rumours with WHO.
Quick recap about the MasterChef romance rumours
Contestant Annabel Lloyd sparked rumours of a potential budding romance when she suggested there could be a “future Sarah and Declan” among this season’s contestants.
It was during an episode when former contestants Declan Cleary and Sarah Todd appeared as guest judges on the show. The pair met on season 17, became a couple, and have since welcomed twins.
“This is wild that they both were on Back to Win and met and fell in love and have twins. Like that is the cutest thing, that’s the most beautiful story I’ve ever heard in my life,” Annabel said about their love story.
“Is there anyone in our comp that could be future Sarah and Declan? I’m not allowed to say.”
This quickly led fans to believe that there was a romance between Annabel and Vinnie. However, that was discredited by a contestant (who told WHO they wished to remain anonymous) and by the fact that Vinnie has a long-term girlfriend.
When those rumours were debunked, fans quickly began suspecting Alyona and Petro.
The pair shared a rather lingering embrace after Alyona was eliminated, and later, Annabel shared a photo of her with Petro with the caption, “1 like and I’ll drop my tell-all on the secret MasterChef romances”.
With fans buzzing at the idea of a potential romance, a viewer found behind-the-scenes photos of this season’s contestants, and the once innocuous photos shared by a contestant weeks ago now potentially tell another story.
In one picture, Alyona has her arm draped over Petro’s shoulders, and in several others taken on different occasions, they are sitting beside one another.
All of this has many viewers shaking their heads in excitement, believing the pair are together.
So WHO decided to ask Alyona.
‘We’ve stayed in close contact’
Okay, I’ve made you wait long enough.
Here is Alyona’s full statement when we asked her point-blank: Are you and Petro dating?
“Petro and I became very close friends during the competition, and we’ve stayed in close contact since.
“We spent a lot of time cooking together, talking about food and supporting each other through the whole MasterChef experience.
“But to be honest, for now I’ve been far more focused on food than anything else — and I’m incredibly excited about this next chapter and everything that’s ahead.”
When asked if she’s seen the fan speculation about a romance between the pair, Alyona said she has “definitely seen some of the comments” and “theories people come up with are quite entertaining”, but elaborated no further.
So, she’s telling us they were close friends during the competition, but what of afterwards?
The show was filmed at the end of last year.
In a way, she has addressed the rumours with her comments without confirming (or denying!) if they are together now.
Read into it as you will, fellow MasterChef fans.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
