Introducing Anna Haugh: The Fresh Face on MasterChef
The BBC has unveiled a new era for its iconic cooking competition, MasterChef, with the appointment of two brand-new judges. Following the departures of long-standing hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode, the show welcomes Irish chef Anna Haugh and restaurant critic Grace Dent to the judging panel. This dynamic duo is set to test 48 of the nation's top amateur cooks through a series of demanding and spectacular culinary challenges in the upcoming 2026 series.
A Glimpse into the Upcoming Season
The official synopsis for season 22 hints at an intense journey ahead, stating: "Seven weeks of battle stand between those amateurs and their dream of taking the title, but only one will hit the gold standard and become MasterChef Champion 2026. Only one thing is guaranteed: getting there will be no walk in the park." The first episode airs tonight, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and will be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, marking the beginning of this exciting new chapter.
Anna Haugh's Early Life and Culinary Roots
Born in Dublin in 1980, Anna Haugh grew up in the suburb of Tallaght and attended Presentation Secondary School in Terenure. Her passion for cooking led her to pursue professional training at the TU Dublin School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology, where she honed her skills before launching her career in the city. Seeking broader horizons, she moved to London, working alongside esteemed chefs such as Philip Howard, Shane Osborn, and Gordon Ramsay, as well as gaining experience with Gualtiero Marchesi in Paris.
Award-Winning Restaurant Ventures
In May 2019, Anna founded the Myrtle Restaurant in Chelsea, London, a tribute to Myrtle Allen, the Irish Michelin star-winning head chef and co-founder of Ballymaloe House. Her culinary excellence has been widely recognized: in 2019, she won the Best International Chef award at the Food and Wine Ireland awards, and in 2021, Myrtle Restaurant was awarded three AA Rosettes for its outstanding cuisine. Additionally, the restaurant received the Outstanding Contribution to Irish Food and Drink Internationally award at the 2023 Good Food Ireland Awards, solidifying Anna's reputation in the culinary world.
Television Career and MasterChef Experience
Anna Haugh's television career began in 2004 with an appearance on BBC's The Stress Test. Over the years, she has built a diverse portfolio, including roles as a guest judge on Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen in 2013 and as a chef on the BBC's reboot of Ready Steady Cook, hosted by Rylan Clark. She has also featured on shows like Royal Recipes, Sunday Brunch, and Snackmasters, with regular appearances on Saturday Kitchen and Morning Live.
Notably, this is not Anna's first foray into the MasterChef kitchen. She has previously served as a guest judge alongside former hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode and stepped in as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2022, replacing Monica Galetti. This extensive experience makes her exceptionally well-qualified for her new permanent role, bringing a wealth of knowledge and insight to the judging table.
As MasterChef season 22 kicks off, viewers can look forward to seeing Anna Haugh and Grace Dent guide aspiring chefs through their culinary journeys, promising a fresh and engaging perspective on the beloved competition.
