Tom Kerridge Returns as Head Judge for Great British Menu's 21st Season
Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge is set to reprise his role as head judge in the new series of the BBC's Great British Menu, alongside host Andi Oliver and fellow judges Lorna McNee and debutant Phil Wang. The 21st season premieres on Tuesday, February 24, on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer at 7pm, featuring 32 chefs from across the UK competing in eight regional heats.
Celebrating British Cinema Through Culinary Art
The 2026 theme of the show is a celebration of British film, with contestants crafting dishes inspired by iconic movies, filmmakers, and actors. Ahead of the launch, Kerridge, 52, expressed enthusiasm for the creative opportunities this theme presents. "The theme this year allows such a huge variety of areas for the chefs to explore," he said. "From the directors and actors themselves, movie story lines, particular scenes or even just movie titles, there is such a large and exciting narrative to explore."
Kerridge revealed that he would draw inspiration from Guy Ritchie's 1998 film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels for his own dish. "The idea of elevating pie, mash and liquor to a new level would be super exciting," he added, highlighting the innovative approach the theme encourages.
Tom Kerridge's Remarkable 11-Stone Weight Loss Journey
Beyond his television appearances, Kerridge is known for his dramatic weight loss, having shed an incredible 11 stone over three years. He champions a lesser-known weight loss plan he calls the 'dopamine diet,' which focuses on foods that trigger the release of dopamine, the 'happy hormone' in the brain.
According to previous statements on his website, as reported by the Mirror, Kerridge explained: "Over three years, I lost eleven stone and devised my own low-carb diet regime built around ingredients that are known to trigger the release of dopamine. If you're struggling with your weight and need to shift unhealthy pounds, this approach makes it easy, and is guaranteed to make you feel happier in the process."
His guide emphasises increasing protein consumption through foods like chicken, beef, and turkey, citing evidence that amino acids in meat may boost dopamine production while reducing snack cravings.
Family Life and Business Challenges with Wife Beth
Kerridge and his wife, Beth Cullen-Kerridge, have been together since 1997, marrying a few years later and raising their son, Acey. They have jointly run The Hand and Flowers pub in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, since 2005, which now boasts two Michelin stars.
Their relationship faced early tests as they juggled running the business while living together above the pub. Kerridge shared insights into these challenges on the Go-To Food podcast, noting: "I think at first it's very difficult, you live in one small room and you run a business together. Yeah, those pressures tell, it's like living with a flatmate or something like that in a confined space."
Despite the struggles, Kerridge highlighted their resilience, stating: "We've got to this point over 20 years and I think it's about relentlessness, never giving up. I mean she's as strong minded as me with that relentless drive of just doing stuff and doing things that we want to do and moving forward." He added that overcoming these difficulties ultimately strengthened their bond, turning potential weaknesses into strengths.
Looking Ahead to Great British Menu
As Great British Menu returns to screens, viewers can expect a blend of culinary creativity and personal stories from Kerridge and the competing chefs. The show promises to deliver inspiring dishes rooted in British film culture, while Kerridge's own journey of weight loss and family perseverance adds depth to his role as a judge.
