MasterChef finally addresses Ben Ungermann’s mysterious exit from the show
MasterChef has addressed the departure of contestant Ben Ungermann after months of speculation.
“You’re probably wondering where Ben is. Due to a personal matter, Ben has had to leave the competition, and he will not be returning,” said judge Jock Zonfrillo on the opening of Sunday night’s episode.
Ungermann’s last appearance was on the episode featuring guest Katy Perry.
According to The Herald Sun, Ungermann’s fellow contestants were not privy to the details of his exit. “It’s a personal issue and no one still knows what happened,” said eliminated contestant Hayden Quinn.
In late March, the show’s production company Endemol Shine confirmed Ungermann left the competition following his arrest.
“As this is a police matter, we will not be making further comment,” the company’s spokesperson told 10 daily.
Ungermann became the runner-up of the show’s Series 9 in 2017, finishing behind winner Diana Chan.