As MasterChef enters its final few weeks, there’s no doubt the pressure is on. But as the contestants – and the judges – reveal they’ve got their own personal issues to deal with, the show is fast becoming a melting pot of scandals and shock revelations.
“Reality shows like this can become very insular,” says psychologist Sally-Anne McCormack. “Dealing with personal issues can be stressful enough – but add the pressure of filming a television show 24/7 and it can get very intense. Sometimes great friendships can be formed under pressure, but sometimes it can create tension and arguments.”
Fears for Matt’s health
Matt Preston is becoming a bigger star every day – literally. Fears for the popular 49-year-old food critic’s health are growing as quickly as his waistline. Matt’s eating, which has included a reported 11 helpings of rich bonemarrow risotto in one sitting, is said to be out of control.
Although enjoying food is part of Matt’s job, the stress of long hours of filming and pressure to make the show a success could be causing the judge to become an emotional eater, says psychologist Sally-Anne McCormack.
“Savouring a mouthful of something delicious can help you zone out of the stresses around you,” she says. “It’s a form of comfort and a way of escaping things for just a moment.”
While fellow judges Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris have managed to remain pleasantly plump, Matt’s expanding girth is putting him at risk of serious conditions such as heart disease.
While George, 31, is careful to do some sport to counteract his eating, he says Matt is stubbornly sedentary. “[He does no exercise] that I know of. We talk about food and we eat,” George says.
Matt can taste up to 24 dishes a day on the MasterChef set. His wife Emma, 45, is so concerned she’s enlisted the help of Biggest Loser trainer Michelle Bridges.
See more Masterchef news including Adam’s great loss Courtney’s big secret in this week’s Woman’s Day, on sale July 5, 2010.
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