Monica Galetti will not be a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals 2022

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Deputy Editor

Monica Galetti is stepping back from her role as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals citing a need to focus on her family and her restaurant

Announcing the news on social media, the chef and co-owner of Mere Restaurant in London said that it was with "a heavy heart" that she had made the decision not to be a part of the series this year.

'Those in the hospitality industry know just how tough it is at the moment'

"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."

The decision, it would seem, isn't permanent, as she apologised to the team for not joining them this year, adding that she hopes to return 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?!"

Monica has been a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals for fourteen years, first alongside her former employer, Michel Roux Jr. until he left in 2014, then with Marcus Wareing, and the series host, Gregg Wallace.

The BBC is yet to announce who will be filling in for her.

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