Gregg is a regular judge on the show alongside his co-star John Torode.
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However, in a show shake-up, Gregg went missing from the episode and was instead replaced by a familiar face.
As the contestants arrived into the MasterChef kitchen to kick off proceedings, Gregg was nowhere to be seen and it didn’t take long for John to acknowledge the elephant in the room and address Gregg’s absence.
Speaking to the hopeful chefs, John said: “You may notice that someone’s missing.
“Sadly, Gregg is unwell.”
As a result of Gregg’s illness, John was forced to bring in someone else to take over – and she was no stranger to the MasterChef kitchen.
John added: “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.”
The competitors were left open-mouthed as they seemed over the moon with Gregg’s substitute.
Monica regualrly stars alongside Gregg on the show’s spin-off but she quickly fitted in on the regular edition of the show.
Speaking about Gregg’s absence online, one viewer wrote: “Hurry back Gregg!!”
As another added: “I hope Gregg gets well soon. However, this episode of #MasterChef is better for his absence.”
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