For all of you cooking programme fanatics out there (we're including ourselves in that number), the biggest few months of the culinary TV show calendar are right around the corner, with a brand new series set to start in just a few weeks. MasterChef began back in 2005, and celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. Series 21 is right around the corner, so there's not long to go until the return of the UK’s favourite cooking competition.
We don't know about you, but we feel like we're caught in a constant cycle of MasterChef competitions, and we're not complaining at all. Whether it's watching the pros cook at chef’s table on MasterChef: The Professionals, or watching your favourite stars showcase a signature dish on Celebrity MasterChef, there's always an episode or two on the horizon to look forward to.
The main difference, of course, between this series of MasterChef compared to the others, is that all of the contestants are amateurs, meaning that there are likely to be a few more nightmares in the MasterChef kitchen. In fact, there aren’t many things we enjoy more than watching stressed amateur chefs running around a warm kitchen, dropping things all over the place while discussing what we would have done differently if we were given the same invention test.
MasterChef has had its fair share of success stories in the past, proving that just because these chefs are amateurs doesn’t mean they can’t go on to achieve some pretty exciting things. Since winning the first series of Masterchef in 2005, Thomasina Miers has become something of a star, going on to write numerous books as well as setting up popular Mexican restaurant chain Wahaca. 2011 Champion Tim Anderson went on to work in the kitchens of both The Fat Duck and Le Gavroche, before setting up his Japanese soul food restaurant Nanban, which has recently launched its second outlet in the highly fashionable Seven Dials Market.
Below we break down all the details you need to know about MasterChef 2025, including its start date and who's going to be judging.
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Will MasterChef series 21 air?
The BBC has announced this week that it will broadcast the most recent series of MasterChef, which was filmed before Gregg Wallace and John Torode were fired from the show.
In making the decision, producers spoke to the contestants about whether they wanted the programme to be shown.
A BBC spokesperson commented: ‘MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part. The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey.
‘This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it. In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC.
‘However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process. We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series.’
It has been stated that the editing of the programme will be re-examined, making the pair less prominent.
When does MasterChef 2025 start?
MasterChef 2025 will start airing on Wednesday 6 August, with three episodes a week.
Who are the judges on MasterChef 2025?
For the past series, MasterChef has been judged by John Torode and Gregg Wallace, although following allegations of misconduct, Gregg Wallace will no longer be judging the show. He was temporarily replaced towards the end of this series by chef Anna Haugh, from Myrtle Restaurant.
It was also recently announced that John Torode had been fired as a MasterChef judge following allegations of 'extremely' racist language. He will appear as a judge on series 21, which has already been filmed, but will not be returning for future series.
MasterChef has also announced that Anna Haugh and Grace Dent will be the new judges for series 22 and beyond. Grace has appeared as a regular critic on the show for over a decade and is also a judge on the next series of Celebrity MasterChef. While Anna was a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2022, and is a judge on the final week of this year's MasterChef.
What channel is MasterChef 2025 on?
Series 21 of MasterChef will air on BBC One.
Who’s competing on MasterChef 2025?
The official line-up has yet to be announced, but we’ll be sure to bring you all the latest when we know more.
Who won MasterChef 2024?
It was Brin Pirathapan who won MasterChef 2024. The 28-year-old veterinary surgeon took the title of MasterChef champ for the 20th series. He competed against 57 others, over the eight week competition, seeing off his competitors and facing head to head with runners-up Louise Lyons Macleod, and Chris Willoughby in the final.
![Brin, holding a trophy, after winning MasterChef]()
Brin said: 'I’m absolutely chuffed to bits. I can’t breathe! I’m a big mix of my background, my culture and all the opportunities my parents have given me. They’ve been incredible and I’ve done it for them as much as I’ve done it for myself. The experience itself has been incredible and to top it off with this is just the most amazing thing, ever.'
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