MasterChef: The Professionals set to air in early 2026 as schedule shifts
MasterChef: The Professionals series 18 will air in early 2026, with no screening of the show in 2025, it is understood.
Traditionally, the professionals’ series airs on BBC each November and December, a slot that has helped cement it as one of the most-watched culinary competitions on British television.
The final of series 17 was won by Dan Merriman, shown on December 12, 2024.
However, industry sources have indicated to The Staff Canteen that the upcoming series has been pushed into the new year, delaying the return of one of the hospitality industry’s biggest annual showcases.
In its place is Celebrity MasterChef, which is currently underway and running up into the festive period.
It is understood filming of series 18 has already taken place, with the new judging trio of Marcus Wareing, Matt Tebbutt and Monica Galetti.
But the 2025 edition is now expected to be broadcast in early 2026.
New judge Matt Tebbutt
It was announced in September of this year that BBC Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt had joined MasterChef: The Professionals as its third judge, replacing Gregg Wallace.
Matt’s appointment marked the biggest shake-up in the judging team for over a decade, bringing fresh energy to the format alongside the long-standing duo of Marcus and Monica.
Before joining MasterChef: The Professionals, Matt had built a long television and restaurant career. He trained at Leiths School of Food and Wine before working under respected chefs including Marco Pierre White at the Oak Room and Bruce Poole at Chez Bruce.
He later took over The Foxhunter in Monmouthshire, where he earned strong critical praise and won a number of regional awards for
modern British cooking.
Marcus Wareing was already one of the UK’s most acclaimed chefs before joining MasterChef: The Professionals in 2014.
After training under Anton Edelmann, Pierre Koffmann and Gordon Ramsay, he earned his first Michelin star at L’Oranger, followed by a second star at Marcus at The Berkeley.
Long-standing judge Monica was born in Samoa and raised in New Zealand, before moving to London to join Michel Roux Jr at Le Gavroche. She rose to become senior sous chef - the first woman to hold the position in the restaurant’s history.
Monica later opened Mere, her Fitzrovia restaurant with husband David Galetti, earning strong reviews for her refined, soulful cooking.
Applications for series 19
Applications are now already open for series 19, ahead of the showing of series 18.
It is yet to be confirmed whether that series will be aired in late 2026, as per the traditional schedule, or if that will be aired in 2027.
A competition that has launched careers
Across its 17 series, MasterChef: The Professionals has become one of the hospitality world’s most influential stages.
Former winners and finalists have gone on to achieve Michelin stars, open restaurants, and lead some of the country’s most respected kitchens.
Notable alumni include Steven Edwards, Stu Deeley, Dan Lee, Claire Lara, Alex Webb and Craig Johnston, whose post-show careers remain closely followed by the industry. Many contestants credit the competition with accelerating their progression, raising their profiles, and opening doors to new opportunities.
The Staff Canteen will bring you more when an official release date of series 18 is confirmed.
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MasterChef: The Professionals set to air in early 2026 as schedule shifts
