MasterChef judge Melissa Leong ‘is being considered for the next Bachelorette’

She confirmed her split from husband Joe Jones in December after four years of marriage. 

And MasterChef judge Melissa Leong, 40, is now reportedly a top contender for the next Bachelorette.

According to Monday’s New Idea magazine, Network 10 believes Melissa could be the key to revitalising The Bachelorette franchise, after viewers were left underwhelmed by last year’s stars Elly and Becky Miles. 

Looking for love? Newly single MasterChef judge Melissa Leong, 40, (pictured) is reportedly being considered for the next Bachelorette 

‘Melissa is on the top of their wish list and is already adored by the network,’ an industry insider alleged. 

‘She’s smart, funny and articulate, and gave new life to MasterChef… they want that same success on The Bachelorette.’ 

If she does take on the role, Melissa will be Australia’s oldest ever Bachelorette, as well as the first Asian star to front the dating franchise. 

Will you accept this rose? According to Monday's New Idea magazine, Network 10 believes Melissa could be the key to revitalising The Bachelorette franchise, after viewers were left underwhelmed by last year's stars Elly and Becky Miles

Will you accept this rose? According to Monday’s New Idea magazine, Network 10 believes Melissa could be the key to revitalising The Bachelorette franchise, after viewers were left underwhelmed by last year’s stars Elly and Becky Miles 

New era: If she does take on the role, Melissa will be Australia's oldest ever Bachelorette, as well as the first Asian star to front the dating franchise

New era: If she does take on the role, Melissa will be Australia’s oldest ever Bachelorette, as well as the first Asian star to front the dating franchise

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel 10 for comment. 

The speculation comes just months Melissa announced she’d split from her bar owner husband Joe. 

In a heartfelt Instagram post on December 20, the glamorous food critic wrote: ‘It has brought us such happiness to walk together, but the time has come for Joe and I to part ways and walk on, apart.’ 

End of the road: The speculation comes just months Melissa announced she'd split from her bar owner husband Joe (right)

End of the road: The speculation comes just months Melissa announced she’d split from her bar owner husband Joe (right) 

‘We ask for your kindness and consideration for our privacy, we will not be making any further comment as our private lives have, and will always remain exactly that.⁣⁣

‘We wish you peace at the end of such a challenging year for all.’ 

The pair married in a small ceremony at California’s Joshua Tree National Park in February 2017, after dating for just five months.

Their story: The pair married in a small ceremony at California's Joshua Tree National Park in February 2017, after dating for just five months. Melissa and Joe are pictured in happier times

Their story: The pair married in a small ceremony at California’s Joshua Tree National Park in February 2017, after dating for just five months. Melissa and Joe are pictured in happier times

‘I first met him briefly at his bar in Melbourne, Romeo Lane,’ Melissa previously told TV Week of their whirlwind romance.

‘Then we met again properly about 18 months later at a function. We started talking there and we’ve just not ever ceased since really. It’s pretty cool.’ 

While the reason for their split has not been disclosed, Joe hinted in February last year as they celebrated their three-year anniversary that Melissa’s filming schedule for MasterChef had taken a toll on their relationship.  

Hectic schedule: While the reason for their split has not been disclosed, Joe hinted in February last year as they celebrated their three-year anniversary that Melissa's filming schedule for MasterChef had taken a toll on their relationship

Hectic schedule: While the reason for their split has not been disclosed, Joe hinted in February last year as they celebrated their three-year anniversary that Melissa’s filming schedule for MasterChef had taken a toll on their relationship

Last week, Melissa penned an article for HuffPost Australia in which she revealed how she is eager to turn over a new leaf as the Lunar New Year approached. 

‘Like many cultures across the world, the end and the beginning is a chance to reset and forgive. It’s also a time to reflect, consolidate and project hopes as a family and a community,’ she wrote.   

Melissa also said that focusing on her main passion – food – gives her strength during trying times.

‘Food, I find, has a magical ability to provide a soothing balm from the aches of the world, and generate hope. Is that a lot to ask for? Sure. But it’s pretty powerful, this stuff that sustains us,’ she wrote.

New beginnings: Last week, Melissa penned an article for HuffPost Australia in which she revealed how she is eager to turn over a new leaf as the Lunar New Year approached

New beginnings: Last week, Melissa penned an article for HuffPost Australia in which she revealed how she is eager to turn over a new leaf as the Lunar New Year approached