Melissa Leong, renowned judge on “Masterchef Australia,” is embracing a new chapter in her personal life, stepping back into the dating world following her separation from ex-husband Joe Jones nine months ago.

The 38-year-old food critic has officially introduced her followers to her new romantic interest, Melbourne-based barber Rob Mason. She made the announcement on Monday, expressing her admiration and affection for Rob.

Posting to Instagram, Melissa uploaded a photo of the hunky entrepreneur, who is founder of haircare brand Morris Motley, alongside a gushing caption. 

Cooking up a new romance! MasterChef judge Melissa Leong, 38, (left) is dating Melbourne barber Rob Mason (right) 

‘Gratuitous hot dad post, a day late,’ she wrote in the caption. 

“Creator of world-class cosmetics and the genius behind @morrismotley, an amazing father to a wonderful group of daughters, and the highlight of my day—sending nothing but love to @therobmason,” she affectionately wrote on social media.

Rob, who is the father of three young girls, has been prominently featured on Melissa’s Instagram Stories over the weekend. One of the posts showcased the couple enjoying a virtual “double date” via Zoom with friends.

‘Gratuitous hot dad post, a day late’: Posting to Instagram, Melissa uploaded a photo of the hunky entrepreneur, who is founder of haircare brand Morris Motley, alongside a gushing caption

Additionally, on Sunday morning, Melissa shared a heartwarming photo of herself in the kitchen with Rob’s daughters, capturing a moment of them preparing breakfast together.

‘Breakfast tacos for the squad,’ the gourmet wrote, tagging Rob’s account. 

She then uploaded a photo of Rob being showered with Father’s Day gifts by his daughters, captioning the heartwarming post: ‘Hottest dad. Cutest babes.’ 

‘Breakfast tacos for the squad’: On Sunday morning, Melissa shared an Instagram Story photo of herself preparing breakfast with Rob’s daughters

Rob also uploaded an Instagram photo of Melissa holding one of his daughters as she cooked a meal on the stove.

He captioned the sweet photo, ‘Junior sous’ – playfully referring to his daughter as a young sous chef. 

As the day came to an end, Melissa shared a final Instagram Story post documenting a Zoom call with Melbourne restaurant co-owners Martin Benn and Vicki Wild. 

‘Lockdown double date’: As the day came to an end, Melissa shared a final Instagram Story post documenting a Zoom call with Melbourne restaurant co-owners Martin Benn and Vicki Wild

In the image, a beaming Melissa is seen cuddling up to Rob as they spoke to their friends via video chat.

‘Lockdown double date,’ the caption read.  

Romance rumours first emerged last week when Rob uploaded a black-and-white photo of Melissa cooking at home, alongside the caption: ‘Twas phenomenal’.  

‘Just the beginning’: Romance rumours first emerged last week when Rob uploaded a black-and-white photo of Melissa cooking at home

At the time, Melissa tellingly commented beneath the photo: ‘Just the beginning [black love-heart emoji].  

Melissa announced her split from former husband Joe in December 2020,

‘It has brought us such happiness to walk together, but the time has come for Joe and I to part ways and walk on, apart,’ she said at the time.  

‘We ask for your kindness and consideration for our privacy, we will not be making any further comment as our private lives have, and will always remain exactly that.⁣⁣   

‘We wish you peace at the end of such a challenging year for all.’  

Over: Melissa announced her split from former husband Joe Jones (right) in December 2020

Melissa had previously revealed she married the tattooed bar owner hunk in February 2017 after dating for only five months, because ‘when you know, you know’.

‘I first met him briefly at his bar in Melbourne, Romeo Lane,’ Melissa told TV Week magazine.

‘Then we met again properly about 18 months later at a function. We started talking there and we’ve just not ever ceased since really. It’s pretty cool.’

‘It has brought us such happiness to walk together, but the time has come for Joe and I to part ways and walk on, apart,’ she said at the time

The pair dated for just three months when they decided to get engaged. 

They then eloped after Melissa filmed SBS’s The Chef’s Line, just two months later. 

‘When that wrapped, we went to Joshua Tree in California and eloped. It was all very fun,’ the foodie-turned-TV judge said.   

Their story: In June of 2020, Melissa revealed she married the tattooed bar owner hunk in February 2017 after dating for only five months, because ‘when you know, you know’