Gethin Jones has shed light on the unexpected and abrupt end to his journey on Celebrity MasterChef, clarifying the circumstances that led to his departure.

The television presenter was on the verge of reaching the finals when he mysteriously exited the competition, leaving many viewers puzzled. During a recent episode of The One Show, which he co-hosts with Alex Jones, the 42-year-old finally explained the situation, suggesting that an illness, likely COVID-19, was the reason behind his sudden withdrawal.

While chatting with Alex on air, she expressed her disappointment, saying, “I thought the trophy was in the bag. Nearly the finals and then this happened. I felt gutted for you because you’d worked so hard, but what happened then – was it coronavirus?”

Gone guy: Gethin Jones has revealed why he left Celebrity MasterChef unceremoniously early

Gethin responded candidly, stating, “I think it was coronavirus, although at the time, I didn’t get the test because there weren’t many available.” His comments provide clarity for fans who were left wondering why he suddenly disappeared from the popular cooking show.

The Welsh hunk replied: ‘I think it was coronavirus although I didn’t get the test at the time because there weren’t many tests.

‘I spoke to my sister who works in a hospital and she spoke to the doctors who said “assume COVID”.’

Disappearance: The presenter was on the cusp of getting through to the finals when he disappeared from the competition without explanation

He explained: ‘I think it was coronavirus although I didn’t get the test at the time because there weren’t many tests. I spoke to my sister who works in a hospital and she spoke to the doctors who said “assume COVID”‘

He then joked: ‘I was gutted but actually I wanted a big drama and some slow-mo music to set me on my way…’

Explaining things further, Gethin added: ‘Actually it was the easiest decision in the world because I thought there was no way I’m going to go back to work if I’m putting anyone else at risk – so that was that!

‘I was absolutely gutted to leave like that and then I looked around and I had all this food that I had been practising on ready for the next round – I had two salmons – six kilograms of salmon…

Spotted: Gethin looked casual as he appeared for his appearance on The One Show on Monday

Hunky: The Welshman looked stylish in a black Tee and khaki slacks

Masked up: He smiled as he strolled along, a face-mask around his wrist

‘Chuffed!’ In April, host Gregg Wallace told MailOnline that the ever-efficient BBC production team worked tirelessly to make sure the 15th series was in the can just in time

‘I’ve still got salmon left – breakfast lunch and dinner!’

The celebrity edition of the cookery competition filmed just before lockdown was enforced in March.

In April, host Gregg Wallace told MailOnline that the ever-efficient BBC production team worked tirelessly to make sure the 15th series was in the can just in time.

‘We’re chuffed that we finished it!’ Gregg admitted. ‘And it really was all hands on deck to get it done.’

Champion: This year’s series was won by YouTuber Riyadh Khalaf 

Consummate professionals: Gregg – who co-hosts the show with chef John Torode – explained the the team behind the long-running series were keeping a close eye on the status of the health crisis

‘We’re chuffed that we finished it!’ Gregg admitted that during filming it was ‘all hands on deck to get it done’

Gregg – who co-hosts the show with chef John Torode – explained the the team behind the long-running series were keeping a close eye on the status of the health crisis – which first reared its head in December 2019 – preparing way in advance for any potential delays.

‘As the virus came creeping over the horizon we could see there would be potential problems and we worked very hard to get the series finished,’ he explained. ‘We were very careful. There was never any compromising of health and safety.

‘In fact, there was no hint of lockdown at the time we were filming. But we were still a little nervous of what may happen and so we managed to get there in the nick of time.

‘In fact, before the government lockdown, MasterChef had locked down!’