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Emelia Jackson is crowned MasterChef season 12 winner

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REVEALED: Bachelorette casting confessions

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MasterChef judge Jock hits out at fan

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Is Masterchef's Melissa Leong the new Bachelorette?

This is the reality TV crossover we need! - by New Idea
  • 22 Feb 2021

While Network 10 have confirmed they’ve cast a fresh talent to be their next Bachelor, New Idea hears they might be choosing a familiar face to hand out the roses on this year’s The Bachelorette – enter MasterChef judge Melissa Leong!

WATCH BELOW: Melissa Leong on the set of Who's Sexiest People shoot 2020

With fans left seriously unimpressed by Elly and Becky Miles’ sister act season last year, Network 10 is apparently “throwing everything they’ve got” at the new series, which returns later this year.

According to an industry insider, producers are keen to emulate the franchise’s successful 2017 season, which saw Sophie Monk play suitress.

 

s

"Melissa is on the top pf their wish list."

Instagram

“Melissa is on the top of their wish list and is already adored by the network. She’s smart, funny and articulate, and gave new life to MasterChef … they want that same success on The Bachelorette,” explains the insider, who notes, “the show needs someone older, more established and who knows herself – Mel is that woman!”

r

"Mel is that woman!”

Instagram

The writer and TV judge joins a list of names that have been put forward as potential Bachelorettes, including Bachie alum Renee Barrett, 27, and I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! campmate Paulini Curuenavuli, 38.

If she takes the role, it would certainly be a big move for Melissa, who announced her split from husband, Joe Jones, in December, after almost four years of marriage.

The 39-year-old revealed the news on her Instagram page, telling her followers: “The time has come for Joe and I to part ways.”

l

“The time has come for Joe and I to part ways.”

Instagram

Meanwhile, Joe was spotted looking cosy with a woman in Melbourne on February 9, prompting speculation that he’s well and truly moved on from the break-up.

Bachelorette vibes? Melissa certainly looked the part while celebrating Chinese New Year. Just two months after announcing their split, Melissa’s ex appears to have moved on.

For more, pick up the latest issue of New Idea. On sale now! 

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Home and Away opening title
Watch 1:09

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{headline}

{headline}

Emelia Jackson is crowned MasterChef season 12 winner

Emelia Jackson is crowned MasterChef season 12 winner

Gogglebox's newest and cutest addition is stealing the show

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Bachelorette villain's SHOCKING transformation

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{headline}

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Elly’s in love! The Bachelorette winner revealed

Elly’s in love! The Bachelorette winner revealed

Reigning Bachie fave Frazer Neate busted with Bella Varelis!

Reigning Bachie fave Frazer Neate busted with Bella Varelis!

BUSTED! Bachelorette contestant spotted on a date with another woman

BUSTED! Bachelorette contestant spotted on a date with another woman

{headline}

{headline}

REVEALED: Bachelorette casting confessions

REVEALED: Bachelorette casting confessions

Scotty Cam's TV future on the chopping block!

Scotty Cam's TV future on the chopping block!

REVEALED: Elly and Becky’s secret pact

REVEALED: Elly and Becky’s secret pact

The Block stars reveals the show's biggest cover-ups!

The Block stars reveals the show's biggest cover-ups!

Bachelorette bombshells: A secret wedding, baby & actor exposed!

Bachelorette bombshells: A secret wedding, baby & actor exposed!

MasterChef judges' heartbreaking confession: "It's terrifying!"

MasterChef judges' heartbreaking confession: "It's terrifying!"

MasterChef judge Jock hits out at fan

MasterChef judge Jock hits out at fan

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