Australian television personality and food writer Melissa Leong has received a welcome career boost after being announced as a guest host on KIIS FM’s breakfast radio program, marking a new opportunity following a series of professional setbacks over the past year.
The former MasterChef Australia judge confirmed the news on social media after reports hinted that a new presenter would be joining the station’s breakfast slot. Leong revealed that she would be stepping in as a guest host, sharing her excitement with followers ahead of her on-air debut.
Melissa Leong Confirms KIIS FM Role
Leong took to Instagram to confirm her involvement, responding to media speculation surrounding the vacant breakfast position.
The television presenter expressed enthusiasm about returning to radio and connecting with audiences in a new format. Her announcement was met with support from fellow media personalities, entertainers and industry colleagues.
Several prominent Australian figures publicly congratulated Leong, highlighting the positive reception surrounding her latest career move.
Industry Colleagues Show Their Support
Following the announcement, a number of well-known personalities shared encouraging messages online.
Among those offering support were singer and podcaster Em Rusciano, television presenter Julia Morris, journalist Georgie Tunny, and media executive Georgie McCourt.
The public backing reflects Leong’s strong standing within Australia’s entertainment and media industries, where she has built a reputation as a respected presenter, writer and culinary commentator.
New Opportunity After Taste of Art Cancellation
The KIIS FM role comes shortly after the cancellation of Taste of Art, a television project that was expected to mark a significant new chapter in Leong’s career.
The SBS series was withdrawn before its scheduled premiere following controversy involving co-host and chef Vaughan Mabee, who became the subject of workplace misconduct allegations.
While Leong was not connected to the allegations, the show’s cancellation prevented the program from reaching audiences and halted what many viewed as an important professional opportunity.
In a public statement at the time, Leong described the outcome as disappointing and expressed sadness over the circumstances surrounding the project.
Career Rebuilding Following MasterChef Exit
The cancellation of Taste of Art arrived amid continued discussion about Leong’s future in television following her departure from MasterChef Australia in 2023.
Leong served as a judge on the popular cooking competition for four seasons and became a familiar face to Australian audiences during her tenure.
After leaving the program, she stated that the decision had been made on her own terms and reflected positively on her time with the series.
Reports at the time suggested scheduling considerations contributed to her exit, although speculation surrounding relationships behind the scenes also attracted media attention.
Expanding Beyond Television
Despite recent challenges, Leong continues to remain active across multiple media platforms, including publishing, public speaking, digital content and broadcasting.
Her move into radio highlights a growing trend among television personalities who are expanding their presence across different forms of media to reach wider audiences.
Industry analysts note that radio remains an influential platform in Australia, offering presenters an opportunity to build stronger day-to-day connections with listeners.
A Positive Step Forward
For Leong, the KIIS FM opportunity represents a chance to reconnect with audiences during a period of transition in her career.
While questions remain about future television projects, the breakfast radio role provides a fresh platform for one of Australia’s most recognizable media personalities.
As listeners tune in to hear her behind the microphone, the appointment signals a positive development following a challenging stretch marked by project cancellations and industry uncertainty.
With support from colleagues and a loyal audience base, Leong’s latest role could become an important step in the next phase of her broadcasting career.
