MasterChef judge Melissa Leong shares clip of husband Joe toasting those affected in hospitality

Melissa Leong has shared a clip of her husband toasting the camera to wish everyone ‘strength and safety’ amid the new lockdown measures in Victoria. 

Appearing to make the best of the news, bar owner Joe Jones is seen showing off his moves as he slides into the frame, before enjoying a drink and then whipping out a mask from his pocket to put it on. 

With the black and white clip offering some light-hearted relief to other business owners, the MasterChef Australia: Back To Win judge captioned the clip: ‘A cheers to you from @joeyromeolane and me. Wishing everyone strength and safety.’ 

Melissa added: ‘Thinking of everyone in Victorian hospitality tonight in light of the ramped up lock down restrictions.’

Earlier on in the day, Melissa suggested that fans listen to a Dolly Parton podcast to soothe themselves amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Called Dolly Parton’s America, it’s a nine-part non-fiction series based on Dolly Parton’s career and legacy.

Melissa wrote at length in an Instagram post: ‘Here in Victoria, we’re back to stage 3 restrictions for 6 weeks.

‘It is safe to say as a community, we are all feeling more than a bit on edge at the uncertainty of what this means for ourselves, our jobs, our families and our businesses. ⁣

 ‘I’m no spokesperson for anyone other than myself, but if I could share anything with you right now, it’s this: Try and remain calm.

‘Stick to the rules in place, now that we’re back in a more structured setting. Remember kindness and generosity to others when you’re out in the wild… and please keep those mitts clean. ⁣

‘Lastly, if in doubt, I highly recommend you look to Dolly Parton, patron saint of badassery and getting the job done.

‘No matter what you think or how you live your life, we can all find joy and love in this magnificent creature (also, this podcast is amazing, and will make you happy, even for just a moment).’

The whole of Melbourne and Mitchell Shire north of the city will be placed back into lock down for six weeks from midnight on Wednesday after Victoria recorded 191 new cases of coronavirus – its worst figure yet.

Residents will be only allowed to leave their homes for work and study, giving or receiving care, shopping for essentials and daily exercise near where they live.

Police will stop Victorians leaving or entering Melbourne with roadblocks and booze bus-style vehicle checks, effectively sealing 5million people inside the city.