MasterChef legend makes epic comeback after quitting show ‘with a heavy heart’ – leaving fans thrilled
A MASTERCHEF legend is making an epic comeback after quitting the show ‘with a heavy heart’ – leaving fans thrilled.
In April last year, Monica Galetti revealed she would be stepping down from Masterchef: The Professionals to focus on her restaurant and family.
But in a shock move, Monica is now returning to the show alongside co-hosts Marcus Wareing and Gregg Wallace.
Posting a picture of the trio together, with Monica beaming in the middle, the official Masterchef X account tweeted: “Look who’s back! @marcuswareing Monica Galetti and @GreggAWallace all return for brand new #MasterChefTheProfessionals on Monday 23rd October on BBC One & @BBCiPlayer!”
Masterchef fans were absolutely delighted by the news, with one writing underneath the post: “excellent – lovely to see Monica back, but what I am really concerned about is how long the skills test will be.”
Another added: “Wasn’t the same without Monica, welcome back.”
A third tweeted: “Oh absolutely fantastic and the amazing Monica is back, a date in my diary.”
Meanwhile a fourth shared: “So glad to see Marcus and Monica back best team ever.”
Monica’s return coincides with Irish chef Anna Haugh’s departure from the show after one series.
Monica had been part of the judging trio for the BBC cookery show for the last 14 years when she decided to leave, joining first with Michel Roux Jr and Gregg Wallace and then with Marcus Wareing from 2014.
Announcing her departure last year, Monica said: “It is with a heavy heart that I’ve made this decision to step back from filming this year’s series of MasterChef: The Professionals.
“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.
“So, for the moment, my 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.
“Those in the hospitality industry know just how tough it is at the moment.
“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.”
Masterchef: The Professionals returns on Monday, October 23 on BBC One.