Viewers tuning into MasterChef: The Professionals later this year will notice that a familiar face has not returned to the kitchen.
New-Zealander Monica Galetti has announced that she plans to take a break from the BBC One series.
Monica has been a judge opposite Gregg Wallace, Michel Roux Jr and Marcus Wareing but has now called time on the show, citing that her “family need" her.
Read more: Welsh MasterChef contestants, how they fared and where they are now
Talking to the BBC, Monica said: “My family need me, my restaurant needs me and trying to balance long filming days over the next three months with all these commitments meant that something had to give.”
She adds that for the moment, her focus has to be "100% about my loved ones and rebuilding my kitchen team who have had a battering over the last few months especially”.
The hospitality industry has slowly but surely started to piece itself back together after taking a big hit from the Coronavirus pandemic.
“To my MasterChef family, crew and friends, I’m so sorry that I won’t be with you this year but I hope to be back soon,” said Monica.
Monica was notably the first woman to hold a senior position at Michel Roux Jr.’s London restaurant – Le Gavroche.
“Thank you to both BBC and Shine TV for being so understanding of my decision but for this year I’ll be your number one supporter from the side lines. To my fellow judges and friends Marcus and Gregg – I’ll be watching – you’ve got this!
"If you’re ever unsure just think – what would Mon do?! See you soon!”
But just how long can Monica stay away from the MasterChef kitchen? The chef has reassured fans that she hopes to be “back soon".
MasterChef UK is currently airing on BBC One on weekdays. Alternatively, you catch up on the series on BBC iPlayer.
