‘You’ll be missed’: Matt Tebbutt will not return for next MasterChef: The Professionals series
Matt Tebbutt has indicated he will not return for the next series of MasterChef: The Professionals, after reports emerged that his time on the BBC show had come to an end after just one run.
In an Instagram statement shared after the story broke, Matt told followers he was “only ever doing one series” and said he had “loved judging on it” and would “continue working with MasterChef”.
The TV chef wrote: “A lot of lovely people have contacted me about not doing the next series of MasterChef: The Professionals. I was only ever doing one series and I loved judging on it and will continue working with MasterChef.”
- Read more: What to expect from latter stages of MasterChef: The Professionals series 18
- Read more: Applications open for MasterChef: The Professionals series 19
The initial story was first reported by The Sun, which said Matt had been dropped from the main presenting line-up after one series. According to the newspaper, sources claimed producers felt Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti worked strongly as a duo and that three judges felt “a crowd”.
The same report included also said Matt had “done nothing wrong” and could still return in the future as a guest judge rather than a permanent member of the panel.
That explanation broadly aligns with Matt’s own statement. While he pushed back on the idea that he had been unexpectedly “axed”, his post made clear that his role on the programme was never intended to be long term.
Chef support follows Matt’s statement
The reaction underneath Matt’s Instagram post suggested he made a strong impression on the industry during his short spell on the programme.
Theo Randall, chef patron of Theo Randall Cucina Italiana at the InterContinental London Park Lane, wrote: “You are the best!”
Philli Armitage-Mattin, MasterChef: The Professionals finalist in 2020 who returned this year as a guest to set a skills test for contestants, commented: “Well done for the series Matt! Love the energy and life you brought to the show. You’ll be missed.”
Elliott Grover, executive chef at CUT at 45 Park Lane, added: “You the best thing about that show, no need to watch the next series.”
Vivek Singh, executive chef and chief executive of The Cinnamon Collection, also responded: “Really? That can’t be right Matt.”
Those comments underline the level of support Matt has within the chef community, and suggest his contribution to the latest series landed well with many working in hospitality.
A short-term role on a major food format
Matt joined MasterChef: The Professionals after Gregg Wallace’s exit, stepping into one of the most visible judging roles in British food television.
His appointment, announced in September 2025, brought in a familiar face for mainstream audiences, but also someone with enough kitchen credibility to connect with the professional chefs competing on the show.
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His own statement now suggests that arrangement was always intended as a one-series role, rather than the start of a longer run on the programme.
For MasterChef: The Professionals, the development raises fresh questions about what the next judging line-up will look like and whether the show will settle back into a more stripped-back format built around Marcus and Monica.
The Staff Canteen contacted MasterChef production company Banijay, who declined to comment.
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