Poh Ling Yeow is set to 'leave her judging post on MasterChef' - as executives eye off a fan favourite to replace her
MasterChef Australia fan favourite Poh Ling Yeow is reportedly set to 'leave her judging post' as the cooking competition faces another shake-up in the star cast.
The celebrity cook, 51, is said to be preparing her exit from the long-running series at the end of this season - prompting executives to search for a new judge to join Andy Allen, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli on the panel, reported New Idea.
And there's already one name being floated as a potential replacement – beloved original contestant Julie Goodwin.
'Julie would be a fantastic judge. Fans love her,' a source told the outlet.
'While no one wants to see Poh leave, everyone would welcome Julie back with open arms.'
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Julie, 54, who beat Poh in the very first season of MasterChef back in 2009, returned to the franchise in 2022 before making a surprise appearance as a guest judge in 2023.
Insiders say she 'absolutely loved' her time on the other side of the bench and could be ready to return in a more permanent capacity.
Poh, who joined the judging panel in 2022, has previously admitted the role hasn't always come naturally to her.
Earlier this year, she opened up on the From The Newsroom podcast, revealing she often imagines herself back in the contestant's shoes.
'I constantly run through the challenges that I have just delivered and think about what I would do in that situation,' she said. 'That's how much I miss and love it.'
It comes after Poh announced she would be stepping away from the kitchen as she revealed she'll be working closely with Tourism NT as their new ambassador.
She revealed she wishes to inspire Australians to discover a holiday up north that is 'different in every sense'.
'As someone who adores travel, learning, and finding inspiration in new places, the NT is a dream destination,' Poh said.
'From the breathtaking Top End to the awe-inspiring Red Centre, I've fallen in love with it all - and I couldn't be prouder to showcase everything this extraordinary place has to offer!'
In her new role, Poh will spotlight the 'unparalleled beauty, rich cultures, vibrant food scene and artistic heritage' of the Northern Territory.
Poh stepped into the role after gracing the cover of The Australian Women's Weekly for the first ever Outback Christmas issue last year.
She has since been exploring the vast territory, famous for its red desert landscapes, and visiting some iconic destinations.
Travelling through Top End, the celebrity cook enjoyed stops at Litchfield National Park, Finniss River Lodge and the Territory's tropical capital, Darwin.
She then made her way down to the Red Centre where she visited Alice Springs (Mparntwe), Hermannsburg (Ntaria), Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole.
Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve and the majestic Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa National Park were also on her list of travel destinations.
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