‘MasterChef’ Has Started Social Distancing & It’s Super Weird To Watch
MasterChef started airing just when lockdown restrictions came into effect and social distancing became the norm. While the series was largely filmed before the pandemic, the episodes have finally caught up with the current climate.
After weeks of the contestants competing like they would on any other season, on last night’s episode social distancing was finally enforced and I hate to see it.
Does anyone else feel sad at seeing social distancing make it’s way to #MasterchefAU? It was my little coronavirus-free oyster for so long rip
— Laura de Feyter (@lauradf36) May 25, 2020
Watching MasterChef this season has felt like living in a safe, cosy bubble. The series premiered just when most of us were getting used to being stuck inside and not seeing our family and friends on the outside. Tuning into the cooking show nightly — where they weren’t living under the same restrictions — became a comforting escape, providing a little piece of normality.
But the change was evident as soon as the contestants arrived in the MasterChef kitchen last night, and they all had to stand 1.5 metres apart.
Oh wow. #MasterChefAU is doing social distancing pic.twitter.com/BNKsrtFhVK
— robert. (@FierceRobert) May 25, 2020
The judges no longer eat from the same plate, dedicated hand-washing stations were placed around the kitchen, and there’s now more space between each contestant’s bench. While the contestants used to regularly hug and stand in close proximity, that’s now a thing of the past and not everyone is handling it.
Social distancing @masterchefau means no hi fives and hugs. I'm like tinkerbell without attention I die so Rip guys. #MasterChefAU
— khanh (@khanhong) May 25, 2020
Jock says Social distancing rules are in force and Melissa can’t be with us today. I can only assume she heard there was no hugging and decided there was no point showing up #MasterChefAU
— Lan (@thatslantastic) May 25, 2020
This social distancing thing is sad because I'm gonna miss seeing this #MasterChefAU pic.twitter.com/rHUpagzChk
— Plethoric Individual (@SuperBatWomanel) May 25, 2020
Not being able to physically embrace one another meant that at the end of yesterday’s challenge, as Sarah and Jess ran to Callum to congratulate him for finishing the relay, they had to do this bizarre air hug.
Celebratory hugging in the age of social distancing. #MasterChefAU https://t.co/5B8Hoe4ebK
— Mark Freeman (@Freeoh) May 25, 2020
Omg these air hugs are so wholesome #MasterchefAU #socialdistancing
— Melissa Black (@melissablack86) May 25, 2020
High fiving is obviously no longer an option, so instead the contestants would air five.
You guys are coolest even in social distancing ❤ #MasterChefAU https://t.co/7qJnUB0pkQ
— Arru⚡ (@itsmearrunima) May 25, 2020
My new fave is seeing the contestants social distancing while celebrating hahaha #MasterChefAU
— ViVi B (@ViVi_RFObsessed) May 25, 2020
While it’s obviously for the best and to keep everyone safe, it’s going to be super weird watching the rest of this season.
After everyone being so friendly all season the social distancing looks like everyone’s suddenly being VERY passive aggressive towards each other ? #MasterChefAU #covid19australia
— domeanddodders (@domeanddodders) May 25, 2020