Former judge of the Ukrainian culinary show MasterChef, Tetiana Lytvynova, has publicly spoken out about a possible return to the project. In a video circulated on TikTok, the ex-judge linked her hypothetical comeback to a change in the judging panel and outlined a strict condition: she is ready to return to the studio only if Hector Jimenez-Brawley does not participate in the project. According to her, she has no intention of 'compromising her own principles for the sake of working on a project' or 'changing herself.'

'I live for myself and my soul'

In the same video, Lytvynova explained her position through the lens of personal values. The culinary expert emphasized that at this stage of her life, inner peace and the ability to be honest with herself and others are paramount. 'I am already mature enough and have proven everything to everyone that I simply live for myself and my soul. And I want to look people in the eye honestly, which I do. I want to smile, be calm, and happy,' she stated. At the same time, Lytvynova did not report receiving a specific invitation from the show's team; her statement serves as the setting of a condition rather than the confirmation of negotiations.

Conflict with Jimenez-Bravo: Lytvynova's Version

The ex-judge detailed her communication difficulties with Hector Jimenez-Bravo in an interview with Alina Dorotiuk published on March 12, 2025. According to her, they found a common language initially, but over time their relationship 'mutually deteriorated.' Lytvynova shared that she found it hard to adapt to her colleague's inconsistent behavior: one day he could be friendly, and the next he would not greet her or avoid communication. She specifically mentioned a situation during the evaluation of participants' dishes: according to her, Jimenez-Bravo spoke Spanish while she was commenting on the works in front of the cameras. Lytvynova did not understand his words and asked for a translation, which, she claimed, hindered her work. She did not want to sort things out in front of the show's contestants.

Hector Jimenez-Bravo's Reaction

Jimenez-Bravo commented on his former colleague's statements in an interview with Masha Efrosinina published on August 5, 2025. According to him, he did not watch Lytvynova's full interview with Dorotiuk, but saw isolated clips on TikTok. The chef expressed surprise that years after leaving the project, she is returning to misunderstandings on the set. Jimenez-Bravo also noted MasterChef's role in Lytvynova's career: in his opinion, the show gave her recognition, and in a similar situation, he would focus on his own achievements and gratitude to the project.

Departure History and Relationship with Olha Martynovska

Tetiana Lytvynova was part of the main MasterChef judging panel from the third through the eighth season. In 2019, Yelyzaveta Hlynska joined the team, followed later by Olha Martynovska. Lytvynova's cooperation was terminated after her contract expired; however, there has been no public confirmation that the conflict with Jimenez-Bravo was the reason for this decision. Disputes surrounding the show's work also affected Lytvynova's relationship with Martynovska, who were previously close friends and godmothers—Tetiana baptized Olha's daughter, Vera. Lytvynova stated that she did not feel support from her friend after her cooperation with the project ended. Martynovska, for her part, did not consider her own participation in the show a betrayal. In April 2025, Olha explained that she had notified Tetiana in advance about the casting and received her support, emphasizing that she joined the judging panel after Yelyzaveta Hlynska. 'I genuinely feel sorry and hurt to lose this relationship. I deeply respect and love Tanya,' Martynovska said.

Career After MasterChef

After leaving the television project, Lytvynova focused on her own media and business projects. She developed her own YouTube channel and opened an online store for kitchen appliances and accessories—a direction she discussed in a 2024 interview. Thus, by the time she publicly spoke about a possible return to MasterChef, Lytvynova had already built an independent professional trajectory independent of the TV show.