Monica Galetti steps down from 'MasterChef: The Professionals'

Monica Galetti has announced that she will be stepping down from her role as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals.

But luckily for fans of the chef and TV star, she only plans to take a break for the forthcoming series while she focusses on her day job at her restaurant which is recovering from the pandemic, as well as supporting her family.

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The New Zealand-born chef, 46, has been a part of the BBC One show alongside presenter Gregg Wallace for 14 years, which she originally joined with Michel Roux Jr who was replaced by Marcus Wareing in 2014.

She 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.

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"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."

Galetti thanked her co-stars, but it wasn't clear whether she would be replaced in the new series which is expected to begin airing in November.

She said: "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.

"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!"

The main series of MasterChef is currently under way on BBC One.

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