Axed MasterChef favourite absent from major episode

Penny Burfitt
·Lifestyle & Entertainment Producer
Updated ·2-min read

MasterChef fans are suspicious that fan favourite Ben Ungermann has been quietly removed from the competition amid the buzz of Katy Perry’s much-anticipated guest appearance.

While fellow contestants swooned over the pop star, Ben was nowhere to be seen for the entirety of immunity challenge the diva presided over.

Katy Perry and Jock Zonfrillo appear on MasterChef Australia
A major episode featuring Katy Perry almost distracted from Ben's absence. Photo: Ten

Channel 10 confirmed in April that following a police incident, the contestant was removed from the show midway through filming.

At the time fans wondered how the chef would be removed from the series, and now it seems he may have been simply sliced from the edit.

During last night’s explosive immunity challenge, fans couldn’t help but notice the contestant was missing from the gantry where non-participants traditionally cheer on competitors.

MasterChef Australia 2020 contestants (left) Ben Ungermann appears concerned
Ben was spotted at the MasterClass, though whether it was shot before or after is unknown. Photo: Ten

He popped up at the tail end of the episode for the MasterClass which, featuring contestants in different outfits, was clearly filmed on a different day.

Whether the Masterclass was filmed ahead of Katy’s appearance or following it has not been confirmed.

Channel 10 has been contacted for comment.

Fans suspicious of ‘phantom’ edit

Given the star power in the room, the absence was treated as even more suspect, and lead many to theorise that Ben got the boot before this episode.

Axing pending since Ten confirm ‘police incident’

Fans of the ice cream specialist have been watching keenly for Ben’s departure after the incident was confirmed by Channel 10.

“We can confirm Ben Ungermann has left the MasterChef Australia competition. As this is a police matter, we will not be making further comment,” the spokesman said, according to news.com.au.

Official MasterChef 2020 portrait of Ben Ungermann, later removed from show over police matter
Ben was confirmed to have been removed from the show over 'a police matter'. Photo: Ten

“I’m actually devastated,” a fan wrote in Ben’s comments section. “How do they edit you out?”

“That’s up to MasterChef Australia. Appreciate the support,” he responded.

In another comment, a fan said he’d heard a rumour that Ben had been kicked off the show due to a police incident, with the chef replying: “Don’t believe everything you read guys”.

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