MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 Unveils New Era with Fresh Judge and Location
The acclaimed BBC cooking competition, MasterChef: The Professionals, is set to make a triumphant return in 2026, marking its eighteenth season with significant changes that promise to invigorate the series. This year, the show relocates to a new studio in Birmingham, introducing a fresh dynamic to the culinary battles that have captivated audiences for years.
Series 18 Launch Details and Broadcast Schedule
Series 18 of MasterChef: The Professionals will premiere on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, airing on BBC One and available for streaming on BBC iPlayer. The opening episode kicks off at 8pm, with subsequent episodes following a slightly adjusted schedule for the first week to accommodate weekend viewing.
- Episode one - Tuesday, February 10 at 8pm
- Episode two - Wednesday, February 11 at 8pm
- Episode three - Sunday, February 15 at 7pm
This scheduling tweak ensures that fans can catch all the action as 32 of Britain's most ambitious chefs embark on their journey to claim the coveted title of champion.
Revamped Judging Panel Welcomes Matt Tebbutt
In a notable shift, the judging panel sees the addition of Matt Tebbutt, who joins culinary stalwarts Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti. Tebbutt, renowned for hosting BBC's Saturday Kitchen and appearing on shows like Channel 4's Food Unwrapped, steps into the role following Gregg Wallace's departure last year. Expressing his enthusiasm, Tebbutt remarked, "I'm walking through the MasterChef doors for the first time myself and I cannot wait to see the cooking talent this year's chefs are bringing into the kitchen. I want to be wowed from the off, but it will take some serious work to get through the competition that awaits them."
Galetti shared her excitement about the new studio and Tebbutt's inclusion, stating, "We've been so excited about the new studio! And we're always so ready to see the new chefs walk through that door. Getting back together with all the crew again, who are like family, is great. And then there was a new face joining us – Matt. It's been a lot of fun." Wareing echoed this sentiment, highlighting the renewed energy in Birmingham, "It feels like a new era in a way. As you say, Monica, it's a new studio, new location, new judge. It's been lovely in so many ways. Everyone being in a new city and studio, the energy in the studio reminded me of when we came back from lockdown and we were back on set and everyone was just buzzing to be there."
Contestants and Competition Structure
Over seven weeks, 32 professional chefs from diverse regions across the UK, including Edinburgh, Exmouth, North Yorkshire, Norfolk, Glasgow, Greenwich, Birmingham, Bristol, Somerset, and Shropshire, will face intense culinary challenges. The competition is designed to test their skill, determination, and ability to perform under pressure, with heats gradually introducing contestants to viewers.
The inaugural episode features a compelling lineup: Chef de Cuisine Emma, a New Zealander inspired by her grandmother's recipes; Ismail, Head Chef at The Stag, an independent gastro pub in Hampstead; Private Chef Mario, originally from Seville, Spain; and Terry from the Wirral, who serves as Head Chef at Yorkshire's The Tickled Trout Inn. This diverse group sets the stage for a season filled with innovation and high-stakes cooking.
As MasterChef: The Professionals embarks on this new chapter, fans can anticipate a blend of familiar rigor and fresh excitement, making series 18 a must-watch for culinary enthusiasts nationwide.
