The 18th series of MasterChef has returned to UK screens, but not without controversy. Viewers have taken to social media to express their displeasure over the show's new format, which they claim mimics the Australian and American versions.
Many fans criticised the increased focus on contestants' personalities rather than the cooking itself. One viewer wrote on X: "#MasterChef has gone a downhill it's incredible. They should have known not to f--- with the recipe. It used to be a show about cooking, now it's a show about the people who want to be on TV." Another added: "#MasterChef really don’t like this new format."
Specific changes that drew ire include the introduction of a 'Tasting Room' where judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace sample dishes away from the kitchen, and contestants sitting on stools while waiting. One viewer commented: "What's with the awkward stools? Going Westlife mode? #MasterChefUK."
However, not all feedback was negative. Some viewers welcomed the changes, with one saying: "So pleased @MasterChefUK is following in the footsteps of @masterchefau at last with an audition round. Australia's had this right for years!"
A BBC spokesperson explained the new format: "Each week for five weeks, nine home cooks cook for the judges. This year their first test is the audition round, in which they must cook their signature dish. John and Gregg don’t watch the chefs in the kitchen. Instead, they taste each dish in the new MasterChef Tasting Room." The best three dishes earn aprons, while the remaining six get a second chance with a different course.
