Monica Galetti, one of BBC MasterChef’s most recognisable faces quit suddenly in 2022.
But after a brief time away, she has returned to the hit cookery competition alongside Gregg Wallace.
Why was Monica Galetti missing from MasterChef? And what does her return mean for fans now?
Also read: Matthew Perry’s cause of death updated as ‘additional investigation’ requested
Monica, a Samoan-born New Zealand chef was among the stars of the show MasterChef: The Professionals, striking up some awesome chemistry with both fans and followers of the cooking show. Galetti began her culinary career in New Zealand before moving to London in 1999 to work at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Le Gavroche.
She quickly worked her way up to become senior sous-chef, the first woman to hold such a senior position at the restaurant. She also opened her own restaurant in London called Mere in 2017.
The 15th series of MasterChef: The Professionals premiered on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, featuring the return of Gregg Wallace and Marcus Wareing to the Masterchef kitchen. But notably, Monica Galetti was absent from the show, and having appeared on the show for 14 years she was replaced by Anna Haugh.
Explaining why she had left show in April, 2022, Monica said: “It is with a heavy heart that after 14 years 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 my 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.”
Prior to that, in March 2022, the television personality shaved her head as a gesture of support for her nephew, who had started chemotherapy that month. She posted a picture of her bald look on Instagram, captioning it with: “My 15yr old nephew Otis is en route to begin his battle with first chemotherapy session. So I’ve shaved my hair off to show him my love and support. He’s so brave and I was actually nervous doing it … he laughed and cheered me on. Here’s to more laughter and love along the way Bubba…”
Monica Galetti’s Masterchef return
Speaking to Gabby Logan on The Mid Point podcast, about her exit and return, Galetti said: “I saw a therapist. I’ve never done that before.
“I‘ve never had so many things happening at the same time, I needed to reach out to outside help – someone just to talk to with everything. That was one of the best things I did…I feel more energetic, more excited to be back in it this year having had that time out.”
And MasterChef fans are blown away. On X (formerly Twitter), @Mrs_AhmedZaman said: “OMG how great to see Monica Galetti back on #MasterChefTheProfessionals”
@AmyJoanne__ wrote: “Glad to see Monica Galetti back on #mastercheftheprofessionals she is my favourite chef.”
@Kaylalula agreed: “Yay, the wonderful Monica Galetti is back @MasterChefUK #MastercheftheProfessionals”
@wonderfulsammi tweeted: “I love Monica so glad she’s back x”
YorkshireLive has launched a WhatsApp community and anyone who joins will get the latest breaking news and top stories sent direct to their phone. To join click here .
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
Yorkshire
