On October 30, filming began for the new season of MasterChef Celebrity, the successful cooking show on Telefe that brings together figures from entertainment, sports, and media to showcase their talent at the stove.
One of the biggest surprises of this edition was the addition of Maxi López, who, for the first time, agreed to be part of an Argentine television program.
A former footballer, businessman, and known for his high media profile during his relationship with Wanda Nara, Maxi attracted attention by joining the reality show not only because of his public persona but also because of the rumor that began to circulate as soon as his participation was confirmed: that his participation would be brief and that he had already arranged with the production team for his early exit from the competition.
Las primeras fotos de Maxi López en MasterChef Celebrity
According to reports from La Posta del Espectáculo (TV Pública), the former River Plate player had signed a contract with Telefe that would cover only two episodes.
"I was told that he was paid good money and that he wanted to be close to his son Valentino, who is injured and plays in River's youth divisions. In addition, he misses his pregnant wife," they said on the streaming show.
A week after filming began, Maxi López replied to the rumors and spoke with the program Intrusos (América TV). There, he shared his enthusiasm for this new experience in his life and dismissed any kind of agreement with the production to leave the competition early.
"It's something different, I'm enjoying it," he said with a smile, and added: "We can't share much, but what I can tell you is that there's a really good vibe. I loved the work group and, honestly, everything is very well organized."
Although he avoided directly addressing the rumors of a planned exit, he did hint that his participation was decided at the last minute. "I came for other reasons. But now I'm here and I'm happy to be here," he stated, leaving no room for speculation about a brief appearance.
In the interview, the reporter did not hesitate to ask him if he planned to stay for the entire competition or if his time on MasterChef Celebrity would be limited to the first episodes.
"Are you going to stay or will you be in just a couple of episodes and then be replaced by someone else as has happened in other editions?" he asked. Maxi replied with humor and without losing his smile: "I don't know. That will depend on the judges. If the steak gets burned or not, they'll decide!"
