MONICA Galetti has always been the staple of MasterChef: The Professionals, as one of the shows judges.
But she shocked fans in 2022 when she announced she was quitting the BBC series - only to return to the show a year later.
Why did Monica Galetti leave MasterChef?
In April 2022, Monica Galetti revealed she would be stepping down from Masterchef: The Professionals to focus on her restaurant and family.
The celebrity chef joined the BBC cookery show in 2008, alongside Michel Roux Jr and Gregg Wallace, and then with Marcus Wareing from 2014.
Announcing that she was leaving MasterChef: Professionals, Monica said in a statement: "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.
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“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.
“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!”
Who replaced Monica Galetti on MasterChef: The Professionals?
Irish chef Anna Haugh was brought into replace Monica as one of the MasterChef: Professionals judges.
The head chef has been cooking professionally for 20 years.
She also owns a restaurant called Myrtle located in Chelsea
Over the years she has built up her reputation as a celebrity chef, after she appeared on BBC One’s Royal Recipes between 2017 and 2018.
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After leaving The Professionals, Anna was a guest judge on the original MasterChef.
She also makes regular appearances on shows such as BBC One’s Morning Live and Saturday Kitchen.
When did Monica Galetti return to MasterChef?
In a shock move, it was revealed that Monica would be returning to MasterChef: The Professionals for the 2023 series alongside co-hosts Marcus and Gregg.
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."
Monica also shared the news on Instagram: "A year ago I made the tough call to take a break from Masterchef The Professionals.
"I’m so grateful for everyone’s support that allowed me time out to get back on top of managing business and family commitments.
"I'm delighted to say that I am able to come back to MasterChef: The Professionals this year and I'm super thrilled to see what new talent is out there & to be back with my buddies @greggawallace and @marcuswareing - link to enter is on the @masterchefuk profile - see you there!"
Her former replacement Anna commented on the post, and wrote: "Chef great to see you back in the driving seat."
