MasterChef judge Melissa Leong has disclosed that she uses a secret code word with producers to request time alone when her clinical depression becomes overwhelming. The 40-year-old food critic shared the details on the 'We Are The Real Ones' podcast, explaining that the code allows her to step away for brief moments during filming.
Leong, who has been open about her struggles with mental health, said that the fast-paced environment on set leaves little spare time, but the production team accommodates her needs. 'If I need a day like that where I just need that little bubble of time, it could be 10 minutes, I will tell them and they will find the next available opportunity for me to just have a minute,' she said.
The judge emphasised the importance of this support for team dynamics. 'You are part of a team, and the team succeeds when every single member of that team is firing on all cylinders, so they understand,' she added, praising Channel 10 and Endemol Shine for their consideration.
Leong also revealed that she experienced a breakdown in her past and began therapy in her 20s. 'It has been part of my life and my story. It was an instance of too much on the plate and the plate ended up breaking under the weight of all those things,' she said. She now prioritises her mental health and has previously spoken about coping with online criticism by accepting that no one is universally loved.
