Monica Galetti

The chef, 46, has been part of the judging trio for the last 14 years, joining first with Michel Roux Jr and Gregg Wallace and then with Marcus Wareing from ...

From all I knew, that was simply part of being a chef; it was the way we talked in the kitchen. Of her home life, Monica said: 'That's been the toughest part. Sarah Clay, Commissioning Editor for Entertainment, said: 'Monica is a valued member of the MasterChef family, and while we will miss her expertise and invaluable cooking and food knowledge, we fully support her filming break to focus on her family and business. Even then, I suffered from a lot of guilt. 'I want other women of colour to know that it's anyone's for the taking. Those in the hospitality industry know just how tough it is at the moment.

Monica Galetti has announced that she is stepping away from being a judge on TV cooking programme MasterChef: The Professionals.

“We have worked together closely for the past 14 years and regard Monica as an integral member of the MasterChef family. “My family need me, my restaurant needs me and trying to balance long filming days over the next three months with all my commitments meant that something had to give. Making the announcement on Instagram, Galetti said that she was unable to balance the three-month TV filming schedule with her restaurant and family commitments.

The New Zealand-born chef, 46, has been a part of the BBC One show alongside presenter Gregg Wallace for 14 years, which she originally joined with Michel Roux ...

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The Mere chef-owner Monica Galetti is stepping down from her Masterchef role alongside Marcus Wareing.

But it may well only be temporary: both Galetti’s post and Masterchef’s confirmation suggest that this may be just one season of the silver-haired wizard and his bald assistant. What happens when a crisp with “a hint of lime” contains no lime at all? Her partnership with Marcus Wareing — particularly when experiencing the exquisite pain of watching trained chefs fumble basic skills tests — has long been a highlight of the show, which will lose something significant in her absence.

New-Zealander Monica Galetti has announced that she plans to take a break from the BBC One series. Monica has been a judge opposite Gregg Wallace, Michel Roux ...

“Thank you to both BBC and Shine TV for being so understanding of my decision but for this year I’ll be your number one supporter from the side lines. “To my MasterChef family, crew and friends, I’m so sorry that I won’t be with you this year but I hope to be back soon,” said Monica. She adds that for the moment, her focus has to be "100% about my loved ones and rebuilding my kitchen team who have had a battering over the last few months especially”.

Monica Galetti has announced she is to step down as a judge on the next series of MasterChef the Professionals.

We have worked together closely for the past 14 years and regard Monica as an integral member of the MasterChef family. If you're ever unsure just think – what would Mon do?!" Those in the hospitality industry know just how tough it is at the moment."