MasterChef experiences a coronavirus scare after one of this year’s contestants visits a hotspot

While it’s been business as usual on this year’s season of MasterChef, the hit cooking show suffered a coronavirus scare during Monday’s episode.

Shortly after the show’s remaining contestants entered the MasterChef kitchen, judge Melissa Leong stepped forward to deliver ‘some tough news’.

Melissa, 39, revealed that contestant Brent Draper was forced to forfeit the show’s upcoming pressure test after he was ‘exposed to a COVID hot spot’.

‘As a result, he has to quarantine until he returns for Sunday’s elimination. That means he will avoid tomorrow’s pressure test,’ she said of the 31-year-old hopeful.

‘We’ve all agreed that to make it fair for everyone, Brent must compete in next week’s pressure test, no matter what. And if he survives that, he will continue on in the competition as usual.’

Continuing to address the show’s stunned contestants, she added solemnly: ‘What strange times we live in.’ 

Meanwhile, later in the episode, contestant Conor Curran had a rather awkward interaction with judge Jock Zonfrillo. 

When dishing up his medium rare steak with pea and mint puree, the Melbourne cook, 27, was so nervous he shook while pouring out his Madeira sauce. 

‘Look at that shake!’ Jock quipped, with fellow judge Andy Allen then asking Conor if he was alright. 

‘It’s you! Every time you make me so nervous Jock,’ Conor shot back, appearing a tad rattled, albeit amused.

Judge Melissa Leong stepped in to settle the situation, telling Conor ‘it’s okay’ in a soothing tone. 

In the end, the judges had mixed opinions about Conor’s dish, which represented his team in the challenge. 

MasterChef Australia continues Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel Ten