Applications open for MasterChef: The Professionals 2025

Applications are open to appear on hit BBC show MasterChef: The Professionals 2025.

Last year saw Lancashire’s Dan Merriman add his name to the roll of honour, claiming the series 17 crown, ahead of fellow finalists Chiara Tomasoni and George Birtwell.

Derek Johnstone was the first winner, back in 2008.

Other chefs to have appeared on the show over the years include Nikita Pathakji, Dan Lee, Steve Groves, Elly Wentworth, Stuart Deeley, Gary Maclean, Matthew Ryle, Santosh Shah, Adam Handling and Louisa Ellis.

Series 18 is expected to air in the autumn, on BBC One, with the final likely to be in December.

Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing are set to return as judges. A third host is yet to be confirmed, after Gregg Wallace stepped down from the role. Food critic Grace Dent is currently filling in, but whether she will still be in position for the next Professionals series remains to be decided.

MasterChef: The Professionals 2025 will feature 32 chefs selected from across the country, with applications open until March 31.

Filming, by Shine TV, is set to take place in Digbeth, Birmingham, between April and August 2025.

Chefs of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Contestants must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having not appeared on the show before, be aged 20 or over and have worked for at least two years as a chef in a professional kitchen, or have the relevant qualifications.

Full details are available via masterchef.tv/professionals