MasterChef returns to BBC One for its 22nd series tonight (Tuesday, April 21), featuring new judges Anna Haugh and Grace Dent. The celebrated chef and restaurant critic replace Gregg Wallace and John Torode, who departed after previous seasons.
Forty-eight amateur cooks will compete over seven weeks for the title of MasterChef champion 2026. The official synopsis promises “some of the most arduous and spectacular culinary challenges yet,” with guest judges including distinguished critics and former finalists.
The first heat introduces six contestants: Rosdip, a 33-year-old digital portfolio manager from North Shields; Brendan, 57, a construction project company director; Jhané, 29, a tech programme manager; Sabina, 49, an environmental consultant; Samantha, 39, an accounts assistant and self-described “superfan”; and Matt, 41, an IT manager from West Yorkshire.
Rosdip, originally from Nepal, said watching MasterChef for over a decade inspired him to enter. Matt, who discovered his passion for cooking while travelling, described himself as a former “picky eater” who now “eats everything.”
Contestants must first impress the judges with a Signature Dish to win one of four aprons. The remaining four then compete in the Classic Recipe Test for the last two spots. Successful cooks will face last year’s finalists in a two-course challenge to secure a quarter-final place.
