MasterChef's Gregg Wallace was flooded with support from viewers as John Torode confirmed his absence from Thursday's episode of the culinary competition.
BBC MasterChef judge Gregg failed to appear during the episode and was replaced by a new face. John confirmed that Gregg was "unwell" at the start of the show.
He said: "You may notice that someone's missing. Sadly, Gregg is unwell.
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"So we have invited in a special guest to help me judge. Somebody who knows this competition back to front. Ladies and gentleman, could you please welcome chef, restaurateur and MasterChef professionals judge - Monica Galetti."
Following John's statement, MasterChef viewers sent their well-wishes to Gregg. According to BirminghamMail, one fan on Twitter said: "Hurry back Gregg! I hope Gregg gets well soon."
A second said: "Poorly Gregg will miss out on Linda's array of desserts. It's a shame #MasterChef#MasterChefUK." A third added: "Get well soon mate!"
On Thursday's show, the synopsis from the BBC said: "The second group of seven hopefuls compete for the chance to work in a professional kitchen for the first time. They must cook a dish they would have on the menu of their own restaurant or pop-up, or feature in their cookbook."
MasterChef was followed by Gordon Ramsay's BBC Future Food Stars on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, in a double whammy of cooking action on the broadcasting giant on May 18.
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