Maura Higgins makes sensational return to Love Island as ‘ultimate bombshell' against all odds - admitting ‘it feels good to be back'
The Irish star, 34, said it 'feels good to be back' after laying low from screens recently, following her Bafta 'snog' with McFly 's Danny Jones.
It was previously announced how she would be stepping away as host of the spin-off show Aftersun on Love Island USA over conflicting schedules as Australian host Sophie Monk took her place.
However, Maura returned to the villa for the show's finale last night as the winner was crowned.
Despite reports she wouldn't return on air for the last episode of the current series, she left fans of the dating show delighted as she popped up in the Fiji-based villa.
Show narrator Iain Stirling, 37, described Maura as the 'ultimate bombshell' to viewers as he -reintroduced her.
The Irish star, 34, said it 'feels good to be back' after laying low from screens recently, following her Bafta 'snog' with McFly 's Danny Jones
It was previously announced how she would be stepping away as host of the spin-off show Aftersun on Love Island USA over conflicting schedules as Australian host Sophie Monk took her place
The Scottish star said: 'Tonight, the ultimate bombshell returns, it's Maura Higgins, and she's brought some All Star friends with her.'
There were just four couples left in the villa - Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen, Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales, Iris Kendall and Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez and Huda Mustafa and Chris Seeley - heading into Sunday's finale.
Each of the four couples went on one last epic date, before the winner was declared by host Ariana Madix.
However, only one member of the winning couple was actually awarded the $100k prize, and they must decide whether or not to split it with their partner.
It was also revealed that there will be a Season 7 reunion special co-hosted by Madix and Andy Cohen, airing Monday, August 25 at 9 PM ET on Peacock.
So who won this tumultuous season of Love Island USA? It was in fact Amaya and Bryan who emerged victorious!
Iris Kendall and Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez finished in fourth place and Huda Mustafa and Chris Seele were in third, which shocked Huda since they revealed earlier in the finale that they were going to be 'just friends.'
'How the f**k did we get third? We're not even together-together,' Huda said with a laugh after leaning of her third-place finish.
Amaya and Bryan beat out runners-up Nic and Olandria for the prize, with each of them given cards - one of which had $0 and the other with $100,000.
'I feel so seen and validated for people to see how strong our connection is,' Amaya said after winning.
'Meeting Amaya here, turned my experience around ridiculously. It feels surreal,' Bryan said.
Amaya's card was $0 with Bryan winning $100,000, who was then faced with the choice to split the cash with Amaya or take it all.
'Honestly, this isn't even really a question for me. Me and Amaya talk about our upbringings a lot. All I keep thinking about is my dad saying, "Money is important but it isn't everything." Of course I'm splitting this money with Amaya,' Bryan said.
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Daily Mail
8 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Love Island SPOILER: Toni Laites clears the air with Megan Moore as she blames the boys for an apparent divide between the girls
Toni Laites pulls Megan Moore to clear the air as she blames the boys in the villa for the apparent divide between the girls. The US-native, 24, pulled her fellow islander, 25, to the fire as she confess that the believed the root of all their problems were the boys. As they sit down in the iconic villa, Toni tells her: 'What I think is the root of the divide, is really the boys.' To which Meg says: 'It's so stupid for us to argue over these little things.' Toni adds: 'I know that we're all friends at the end of the day', that prompts Meg to say: 'I'm not going to hold any grudges against what you guys said. You know I love you.' The pair then decide to gather all of the girls over, too. Toni says: 'At the end of the day, we know we're all friends here. They're [the boys] the problem!' The girls all enjoy a group hug as they attempt to put all their previous issues a side. Love islands fans have already called out the girls for their behaviour and furthering the divide in the villa. Viewers slammed the 'nasty mean girls' as they 'alienated' single Shakira for flirting with the boys last month ITV2 viewers were left shocked by the 'b****y' girls behaviour as they chatted around the fire pit - excluding Shakira and American bombshell Toni. The girls complained: 'Shakira has spoken to every Tom Dick and Harry, I don't think I've done enough.' Megan said: 'Shakira has been grafting her f***ing arse off today'. Making another comment, Helena added: 'I think she fancies everyone doesn't she, she even fancies the plants. I should have grafted today, I should have kissed him. Shakira picked up on the 'bad vibes' and told Toni she felt 'singled out' but pointed out that there was nothing stopping the other girls grafting as well. She said: 'Getting ready then, the vibes were so off and I can't say anything as nothing has really been said but the energy, everyone's thinking like have they done enough. 'The girls don't appreciate that I'm grafting we have all been here a day like you can do it too. 'It has rubbed people up the wrong way and I've been singled out as the threat, you get in as much as you get out.' Fans rushed to X - formerly known as Twitter - to call out the girls for 'alienating' Shakira and questioned whether the other girls had ever watched the show before. They wrote: 'The twist that has made Shakira have to graft has made the other girls alienate her which is so nasty. This is LOVE island, you can all graft too! Nobody wants to work anymore!; 'What's this shade towards shakira. 'She's spiken to every tome,dick and harry'. DUHHHHH This is love island; 'Ew these blondes getting b****y about Shakira getting to know the boys, LIKE WHAT LOVE ISLAND IS FOR; Meanwhile Shakira picked up on the 'bad vibes' and told Toni she felt 'singled out' but there was nothing stopping the other girls grafting as well; pictured Shakira and Harry 'The Islanders claim to know Love Island inside out until it's day two and someone HAS to graft and they're all acting like Shakira is tryna chain herself to everyone she talks to '. And it turns out Shakira had done enough grafting and turned three of the boys heads before she eventually decided to couple up with Harry, leaving Sophie Lee single and dumped from the villa. However, viewers were quick to react to the very awkward moment that Shakira discussed her choice of boy with Maya Jama during the dramatic recoupling. Before eventually picking Harry meaning his partner Sophie was dumped, Shakira took a long time to deliberate. She then turned around and whispered to Maya: 'So the one I pick their girl then gets dumped?' As Maya told her 'yes' she then told her she really didn't know which one she liked the most as the host then asked her she had to go with who she felt the best connection to. Viewers were quick to react to the awkward moment which took place in ears shot from the waiting Islanders. They penned on X: 'Shakira thinking she's besties with Maya STOP #LoveIsland.', 'Shakira conferring with Maya like she's her friend is so funny #loveisland.', And it turns out Shakira had done enough grafting and had turned three of the boys heads before she eventually decided to couple up with Harry, leaving Sophie (pictured) single and dumped from the villa 'Shakira and Maya Jama was like watching girls in the club toilets talking about the guy she's dating #LoveIsland.', 'Sorry this secret chat between Shakira and Maya is unironically hilarious #loveisland.' 'Not Shakira doing a debrief with Maya #LoveIsland.' 'LOL maya said im not getting paid extra for this get on with shakira is sooo funny #LoveIsland.' 'Obsessed with shakira and maya little off stage chat #loveisland.' Following the arrival of first bombshell Toni, who surprised the singletons at the close of Monday's episode, semi pro footballer Shea Mannings and fitness influencer Remell Mullins became the latest arrivals after Sophie's axing. Shea, who is a Scaffolder from Bristol, revealed he has a young son, and he will be taking that 'into consideration' when coupling up. He added: 'She needs to be bubbly and we need to have that initial spark. She needs to have a nice personality - like I think I have - so that we match together.' Meanwhile, Remell is a Self Improvement Content Creator who boasts a massive 18million likes and half a million followers on TikTok. Remell shared he is looking for, 'A bubbly, confident, ambitious and fun girl. One feature that stands out to me is a nice smile, nice teeth and someone that can keep me on my toes.' When asked where he might be found in the villa in the morning, he replied: 'I might be cooking a nice high protein meal, I might be doing my skincare routine, something to level up.' Dejon Noel Williams NAME: Dejon Noel Williams AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Semi-pro footballer and personal trainer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy CLAIM TO FAME? My dad being an ex-professional footballer. I've met all kinds of famous people through him. When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I've met David Beckham, he was really nice. Megan Moore NAME: Megan Moore AGE: 25 FROM: Southampton OCCUPATION: Payroll specialist WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'd like to meet someone who is tall, with a nice tan, nice eyes and a nice smile. He needs to have a good fashion sense and a really good, funny personality that I can get on with HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt, right now. But we're going to make sales and get on that corporate ladder and be booming. Profits, profits, profits! NAME: Helena Ford AGE: 29 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Cabin Crew WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Somebody funny or Northern. I feel like Northern people have much more banter than Southerners. If you look through my previous dating history, you'll see I clearly go for personality. You can pretty much laugh me into bed. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I would say hire but then quickly fire soon after. It would only be a temporary contract. NAME: Shakira Khan AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Booming, but they're all frogs. It's a busy love life but I've not found 'the husband', I'm looking for 'the one'. I'm looking for the ring. NAME: Harry Cooksley AGE: 30 FROM: Guildford OCCUPATION: Gold trader, semi-professional footballer and model WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? The girl next door that makes me laugh and can hold eye contact with me. I don't think I'd go for the most obvious girl, I like a real sweet girl. CLAIM TO FAME? I'm the body double for Declan Rice. So when he does a shoot, any body close ups will actually be me. You'll never see my face, but you'll see my shoulder or chest, that kind of thing. NAME: Conor Phillips AGE: 23 FROM: Limerick OCCUPATION: Professional rugby player WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?Someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic. I like dark eyes and I don't mind a dominant woman. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I ask girls if they want to go halves on a baby. It doesn't work, but it gets them laughing. It's an ice-breaker, not a serious question of course! NAME: Toni Laites AGE: 24 FROM: Connecticut OCCUPATION: Las Vegas Pool Cabana Server WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for darker hair, definitely muscular but not too muscular. Super fit. Clean hair cut. Someone that can make me laugh - I'm super outgoing. And someone that's quite active. Maybe one day we could start our own family together. I WANT TO DATE A BRITISH GUY BECAUSE... I've lived in three different states and I'm still single. It's time to try something new! I have some British friends and they're pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent. British men are just more polite, with better manners. NAME: Yasmin Pettet AGE: 24 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Commercial Banking Executive WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for a guy who is fit, has a nice body and who is funny with a bit of banter. WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST ICK? A guy that's stingy NAME: Megan Moore AGE: 24 FROM: Dublin OCCUPATION: Musical theatre performer and energy broker WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously and has a sense of humour. If they're not bad looking, that's always a plus. I love a boy that's a bit pasty, like Timothé e Chalamet. I don't mind scrawny, or a bit of a 'dad bod'. I'm 5ft1 so any height really. CLAIM TO FAME? Me and my friends made a Derry Girls TikTok for Halloween and it went a bit viral around Brighton. Sometimes I get stopped in the street about it. I've also done Panto. NAME: Blu Chegini AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is family oriented, has a lot of love to give and a lot of love to receive. Personality goes a long way. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? She'd fire me, but I've got the charm to smooth things over with a girl. The fact I speak fluent Spanish comes in handy when it comes to flirting! Jamie NAME: Jamie Rhodes AGE: 26 OCCUPATION: Electric Engineer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Bubbly, cheeky, outgoing, good face card and a nice bum. WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? I'll be in amongst the drama! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, I'm gonna take it by the horns and go for it. NAME: Ty Isherwood AGE: 23 OCCUPATION: Site Engineer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I go off energy, if we vibe. I've typically dated brunettes, tanned, nice teeth with a nice smile. WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? A head turner! I get along with lads easily and like to make people laugh. NAME: Cacherel 'Cach' Mercer AGE: 24 OCCUPATION: Professional Dancer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who's emotionally intelligent, beautiful, charismatic, caring, affectionate, and I'd say an intro extrovert. WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? I think I'm gonna get into trouble, I feel like I'll be the joker of the group! I'll also be the person people come to for advice… and a bit of eye candy at the same time. ......................................................................................................................... Angel NAME: Angel Swift AGE: 26 OCCUPATION: Aesthetics Practitioner and Salon Owner WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm ready to make memories with someone, go travelling with them and fall in love WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? I feel like people have been getting their heads turned very easily. I do feel like I have quite a good chance of turning someone's head.
Daily Mail
9 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Love Island SPOILER: Bombshell text reveals a shock daytime recoupling leaving the Islanders stunned - and it's time for Harry to FINALLY decide
Love Island is back for another dramatic instalment on Sunday night - as the Islanders face one of their biggest choices yet. This week has seen Shakira, Harry and Helena's love triangle escalate to new tensions as the semi-professional footballer is still struggled to make up his mind on which girl he wants to progress with. And soon he will have to make that choice as on the episode Toni receives an afternoon text asking all Islanders to gather at the firepit immediately. Helena reacts saying: 'Oh my f***ing god.', as a shocked Shakira notes: 'This is no good, Yas.' Blu then reads another text, which states: 'Islanders, today there will be a recoupling where the boys will choose who they want to couple up with.' The girls stand in front of the firepit as the boys prepare to make their speeches. It's crunch time with some difficult decisions to be made, but how will this surprise recoupling play out? On the episode the aftermath of the Grafties also continues for many of the Islanders, including Harry who comes back into the villa after sleeping outside. Sitting together inside, Harry and Shakira debrief about how they're feeling. Harry says: 'I have really tried with her [Helena], but we [Shakira and Harry] had like a week and it was, for me, the feelings were obviously way stronger and still are. I'm sorry I never like tried again. I really thought the door was just, like, slammed.' Shakira replies: 'Do you want some home truths… it's obviously the way you go about it and the steps you take in between to come to these conclusions obviously hurt people along the way. 'It's all well and good you saying 'hold my hands up guys, sorry' but you still hurt people.' Shakira adds: 'And it's a pattern.' Harry says: 'Look, I'm either leaving here alone or with you.' Still feeling confused by the situation, Helena pulls Shakira to try and make sense of it. Blu then reads another text, which states: 'Islanders, today there will be a recoupling where the boys will choose who they want to couple up with' On the episode the aftermath of the Grafties also continues for many of the Islanders, including Harry who comes back into the villa after sleeping outside to speak to Helena Shakira tells Helena: 'Nothing's changed. There's been no miracle… I was saying I've not let myself heal over the situation and then he was like, 'Same'. I was like, 'What?' He said, 'I've not processed how I felt towards you, I've hopped into something with Helena.' I don't understand it.' Helena says: 'No, I don't understand it.' Deciding to pull Harry herself, Helena asks him in the den: 'Have you felt this way about Shakira this whole time?' Harry replies: 'I didn't, I just buried it all. I just didn't address any of my feelings and we were flying…' Helena goes on to admit: 'I thought I had something genuine in here.' As the pair unpack their feelings, things get emotional for both of them. Later, Shakira too is trying to make sense of how she's feeling, telling Harry: 'Like, how you're feeling now is not making sense from what I've seen for the past however many weeks.' Shakira asks: 'What are we doing?' Harry replies: 'I don't know.' As feelings flow all round, what's next for this conflicted trio? Elsewhere in the episode Toni asks Meg to have a chat at the Firepit to clear the air. Toni tells her: 'What I think is the root of the divide, is really the boys.' The girls stand in front of the firepit as the boys prepare to make their speeches Sitting together inside, Harry and Shakira debrief about how they're feeling Meg says: 'It's so stupid for us to argue over these little things.' Toni adds: 'I know that we're all friends at the end of the day.' Meg says: 'I'm not going to hold any grudges against what you guys said. You know I love you.' The pair then decide to gather all of the girls over, too. Toni says: 'At the end of the day, we know we're all friends here. They're [the boys] the problem!' They have a big group hug. Love Island continued tonight at 9pm on ITV2. Dejon Noel Williams NAME: Dejon Noel Williams AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Semi-pro footballer and personal trainer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy CLAIM TO FAME? My dad being an ex-professional footballer. I've met all kinds of famous people through him. When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I've met David Beckham, he was really nice. NAME: Megan Moore AGE: 25 FROM: Southampton OCCUPATION: Payroll specialist WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'd like to meet someone who is tall, with a nice tan, nice eyes and a nice smile. He needs to have a good fashion sense and a really good, funny personality that I can get on with HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt, right now. But we're going to make sales and get on that corporate ladder and be booming. Profits, profits, profits! NAME: Helena Ford AGE: 29 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Cabin Crew WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Somebody funny or Northern. I feel like Northern people have much more banter than Southerners. If you look through my previous dating history, you'll see I clearly go for personality. You can pretty much laugh me into bed. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I would say hire but then quickly fire soon after. It would only be a temporary contract. NAME: Shakira Khan AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Booming, but they're all frogs. It's a busy love life but I've not found 'the husband', I'm looking for 'the one'. I'm looking for the ring. NAME: Harry Cooksley AGE: 30 FROM: Guildford OCCUPATION: Gold trader, semi-professional footballer and model WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? The girl next door that makes me laugh and can hold eye contact with me. I don't think I'd go for the most obvious girl, I like a real sweet girl. CLAIM TO FAME? I'm the body double for Declan Rice. So when he does a shoot, any body close ups will actually be me. You'll never see my face, but you'll see my shoulder or chest, that kind of thing. NAME: Conor Phillips AGE: 23 FROM: Limerick OCCUPATION: Professional rugby player WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?Someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic. I like dark eyes and I don't mind a dominant woman. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I ask girls if they want to go halves on a baby. It doesn't work, but it gets them laughing. It's an ice-breaker, not a serious question of course! NAME: Toni Laites AGE: 24 FROM: Connecticut OCCUPATION: Las Vegas Pool Cabana Server WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for darker hair, definitely muscular but not too muscular. Super fit. Clean hair cut. Someone that can make me laugh - I'm super outgoing. And someone that's quite active. Maybe one day we could start our own family together. I WANT TO DATE A BRITISH GUY BECAUSE... I've lived in three different states and I'm still single. It's time to try something new! I have some British friends and they're pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent. British men are just more polite, with better manners. NAME: Yasmin Pettet AGE: 24 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Commercial Banking Executive WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for a guy who is fit, has a nice body and who is funny with a bit of banter. WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST ICK? A guy that's stingy NAME: Megan Moore AGE: 24 FROM: Dublin OCCUPATION: Musical theatre performer and energy broker WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously and has a sense of humour. If they're not bad looking, that's always a plus. I love a boy that's a bit pasty, like Timothé e Chalamet. I don't mind scrawny, or a bit of a 'dad bod'. I'm 5ft1 so any height really. CLAIM TO FAME? Me and my friends made a Derry Girls TikTok for Halloween and it went a bit viral around Brighton. Sometimes I get stopped in the street about it. I've also done Panto. NAME: Blu Chegini AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is family oriented, has a lot of love to give and a lot of love to receive. Personality goes a long way. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? She'd fire me, but I've got the charm to smooth things over with a girl. The fact I speak fluent Spanish comes in handy when it comes to flirting! Jamie NAME: Jamie Rhodes AGE: 26 OCCUPATION: Electric Engineer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Bubbly, cheeky, outgoing, good face card and a nice bum. WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? I'll be in amongst the drama! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, I'm gonna take it by the horns and go for it. NAME: Ty Isherwood AGE: 23 OCCUPATION: Site Engineer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I go off energy, if we vibe. I've typically dated brunettes, tanned, nice teeth with a nice smile. WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? A head turner! I get along with lads easily and like to make people laugh. NAME: Cacherel 'Cach' Mercer AGE: 24 OCCUPATION: Professional Dancer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who's emotionally intelligent, beautiful, charismatic, caring, affectionate, and I'd say an intro extrovert. WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? I think I'm gonna get into trouble, I feel like I'll be the joker of the group! I'll also be the person people come to for advice… and a bit of eye candy at the same time. ......................................................................................................................... Angel NAME: Angel Swift AGE: 26 OCCUPATION: Aesthetics Practitioner and Salon Owner WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm ready to make memories with someone, go travelling with them and fall in love WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? I feel like people have been getting their heads turned very easily. I do feel like I have quite a good chance of turning someone's head.
Daily Mail
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
MasterChef Australia viewers shocked by Julie Goodwin's dramatic weight loss as she returns to the show for brutal elimination challenge that saw fan favourite in tears after being sent home
Julie Goodwin returned to MasterChef Australia on Sunday night. The chef, who won the 2009 season, make a guest appearance in the Back To Win series to present the contestants with an elimination challenge. And fans tuning in were shocked by how different the 54-year-old looks after her dramatic weight loss. Several people posted to X to share their thoughts as the episode aired. 'That's quite some glow up for Julie,' said one person with another agreeing, 'I can't believe how Julie looks.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Wow I can't believe how thin Julie is. She looks good, but I think the drop in weight makes her look older also,' another posted. 'Pulled pork isn't the only thing Julie Goodwin's been shredding huh?' joked someone else. 'Wow I hardly recognised Julie!' one said with yet another chiming in, 'Julie looks good!' Viewers were in uproar over the night's elimination, however, with beloved contestant Sarah Todd sent home after her undercooked pork belly failed to impress. Sarah, who made headlines for her romance with fellow contestant Declan Cleary, who was also eliminated earlier this month, broke down in tears as she explained she was grateful for her time in the high-pressure kitchen. 'I'm absolutely proud of everything I've done this time around in the kitchen,' she said. 'It's been really fun to push myself and experiment and create the next version of me,' she continued. 'I'm very grateful for MasterChef. It's given me a really beautiful life. And I'm excited. I'm excited for what's about to come. 'That's quite some glow up for Julie,' said one person with another agreeing, 'I can't believe how Julie looks.' Julie first appeared on MasterChef Australia in 2009 (right) Julie's exciting announcement comes just days after she issued a statement defending her weight loss after fans raised concerns about her health. Julie shared an update on Instagram after a new photo, in which she looked very slim, was posted to her account. Her dramatic transformation led to comments from worried followers. 'Thanks to all who have expressed concern about my health,' she began. 'I am well and I am within the healthy weight range. My doctor concurs,' she continued. 'For those who have asked me for advice or tips, I am not qualified to provide this. It's advice that should be sought from your trusted health professionals, not from me. I'm a TV cook,' Julie continued. 'For those who want to comment on the shape and condition of my body please, do it on your own page because I'm tired of reading it. For that reason I'll be turning off comments on this post. 'For all of us can we please find something more interesting to talk about. Can we please model kindness to our kids and grandkids and can we please leave this obsession with people's looks back in the 1980s. Peace and love.' The celebrity cookbook author shot to national fame after winning the inaugural season of Network Ten's MasterChef Australia in 2009.
