Poh Ling Yeow struggles to hold back tears on MasterChef as she bids farewell to contestant Andre Ursini
Andre appeared alongside Poh on the inaugural MasterChef season back in 2009.
However, his second chance at success was foiled after he lost a Pressure Test that tasked Andre and fellow contestants Alanah Lowes and Snezana Calic with recreating an ornate dessert by renowned pastry chef Philip Khoury.
When it came time for Andre to make his exit, judge Poh became emotional when reflecting on the journey that she and Andre had started together.
'Andre, we started this journey together – whoa – 16 years ago,' Poh said, with tears welling in her eyes.
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'For the past 16 years, I've watched you not only become a really brilliant cook and an amazing entrepreneur, but an amazing husband and dad.'
An emotional Poh added that having the chance to see Andre in the MasterChef kitchen again was a pleasure.
'It's been so nice and fun to be back in the kitchen with you,' she said.
'I love that you've always marched to the beat of your own drum.'
Poh then lightened the mood, joking: 'Even though sometimes I do – no I don't, I really don't.'
Obviously touched by Poh's heartwarming tribute, Andre wasn't shy about returning the compliments.
'I was pretty inspired that first time I walked in – seeing my mate in the bright shining light where she belongs,' he said.
Andre continued to heap praise on the MasterChef judge saying: 'Poh is a jewel in the crown of the Australian culinary scene.'
'She's one of the most genuine and unique individuals that we've all been around.
'She's basically going to start levitating any year now,' he joked.
Speaking to camera after making his emotional exit, Andre was philosophical about his elimination, despite being 'devastated.'
'Being eliminated, I'm devastated, but I've come so far in the competition,' he said.
'It's taken me 16 years to re-emerge – I came in here with no expectations and got to top ten.
He added: 'I'm feeling pretty invigorated. I've rediscovered my passion for cooking after all these years and, from now on until the time I die, I'm going to keep cooking.'
Poh also repeated her sentiment on Instagram, commenting under a post on the MasterChef page about Andre's exit.
'This is very hard for me to say, but I'm super proud of you,' she wrote.
'It has shaved 2 years off my life with every pressure test I've had to watch u do so that adds up to 6 years, which is very expensive for my well being.
'I love the conviction and stoicism with which you walk through life. See you on the flip side.'
Fans also flooded to the comments to echo Poh's words, with many praising Andre as their favourite contestant.
'Dammit. I'm sobbing,' one wrote. 'So sad you've gone Andre. What an absolute joy you are.'
Another chimed in with a similar: 'So sad to see that one of my favourites has left. You are a joy to watch Andre. You're amazing and always full of energy and humour. You will be missed.'
Andre appeared alongside 19 hopefuls, including Poh and Julie Goodwin, on the inaugural MasterChef season in 2009.
He was eliminated while Julie and Poh went on to claim winner and runner-up titles, respectively.
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