Melissa Leong: Former Masterchef judge pours heart out to fans after ‘hard day’ leaves her teary-eyed in car

Zach Margolius
PerthNow
Melissa Leong has shared her emotional side with fans as she records the audio version of her forthcoming memoir.
Melissa Leong has shared her emotional side with fans as she records the audio version of her forthcoming memoir. Credit: Melissa Leong/Supplied

Former Masterchef judge Melissa Leong is typically bubbly and reassured in the kitchen, but fans saw a different side to the TV foodie after she shared a “raw” moment of vulnerability from her car in a teary social post.

The 43-year-old’s latest project sees her re-connect with her past, which Leong admitted had triggered a challenging period of introspection.

“Today was a hard day. I started recording the audio version of my memoir, and I knew sharing some of what I wrote might be the most difficult thing I have ever had to say out loud to strangers,” she told fans.

Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

Email Us
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Set for release on September 30 this year, Leong’s book promises to be a “memoir of food, failure and taking impossible chances”.

While fans might know her as “Fooderati”, the first female Masterchef judge, or a Gold Logie nominee, the stylish star will deliver a candid account of her life’s failures, successes, and everything in between.

“It’s not yet time to talk about it, but I really need to send love to anyone out there who has been forced through the dark. You are not alone, and I need to know I am not, either,” she added.

“I am not one for posting these kinds of raw moments, but I want to mark today as one where I reclaimed myself and my story once and for all.”

Melissa Leong's new memoir Guts is set for September release.
Melissa Leong's new memoir Guts is set for September release. Credit: Melissa Leong/IG/IG

Featuring some of her favourite recipes, the author’s memoir will put all of herself on the plate, and she hopes readers bring their appetites.

“No guts, no glory. Hope you’re hungry,” she’s told fans in her book’s promotion.

Following Leong’s very public show of emotion, her numerous TV and cooking pals have reached out and empathised with her creative process.

“Sending so much love,” fellow author and presenter Jess Rowe responded.

Author Hannah Diviney said, “(Recording) my audiobook was like pressing on every bruise and opening every wound I’ve ever had but it ended up feeling so freeing and important. You’re doing great ❤️”.

Comments

Latest Edition

The Nightly cover for 08-08-2025

Latest Edition

Edition Edition 8 August 20258 August 2025

From a jailed sex offender MP to Latham’s virulent tirades and legal dramas: The mad, sad state of NSW politics.