Ben Ungermann was touted as one to watch on the upcoming season of MasterChef: Back To Win, but in a shocking twist, he’s been booted from the show.
The season nine runner-up, dubbed the “Ice Cream King”, was arrested over a “personal matter” and has since been unceremoniously dropped over an issue unrelated to the show.
Production company Endemol Shine said of Ben’s departure: “We can confirm Ben Ungerman has left the MasterChef Australia competition. As this is a police matter, we will not be making further comment.”
Back in March, Ben uploaded a cryptic post to social media of a photo of him looking pensive with the quote, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”
The post was met with many comments telling the 34-year-old to stay strong and safe.
“Be the best version of yourself big Ben,” one follower penned.
Ben even broke his silence on the situation when a fan commented another photo, “I’m actually devastated. How do they edit you out?”
But rather than ignoring the comment, the MasterChef contestant responded with, “That’s up to MasterChef Australia. Appreciate the support.”
Since appearing on MasterChef Australia in 2017, the 34-year-old has also featured on MasterChef Holland and MasterChef Indonesia.
Ben also runs the Ungermann Brothers Ice Cream Parlour with his younger brother Danny and opened his second parlour on the Gold Coast late last year.
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Ben’s Instagram account is currently bursting at the seams with gym selfies.
The fitness fanatic is using his time in isolation to share workout videos using household items like canned goods as weights, with one clip even featuring his Australian triathlete sister-in-law, Bec Ungermann.
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