Phil Wang Embraces New Role on Great British Menu After Ed Gamble's Exit
Comedian Phil Wang has candidly shared his thoughts on joining the esteemed judging panel of the popular cooking competition, Great British Menu, as it prepares for its highly anticipated return to BBC Two and iPlayer later this month. Wang steps into the role previously held by the much-loved Ed Gamble, acknowledging the significant challenge of filling such prominent shoes.
A Culinary Battle with a Cinematic Twist
The upcoming series, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, will feature 32 of Britain and Northern Ireland's most talented chefs competing across eight intense heats. Their mission is to create show-stopping dishes that celebrate British cinema while showcasing their regional or national heritage. The victorious chefs will then have the honour of preparing their creations at a grand finale banquet hosted at Liverpool's St George's Hall, a location famously used as Gotham City Hall in the Batman films.
New Judge Phil Wang Joins the Panel
This season, Phil Wang joins head judge Tom Kerridge and Lorna McNee in the search for Britain's culinary elite, taking over from Ed Gamble. Presenter Andi Oliver also returns for the new run. Each week, an experienced judge will assess the dishes, selecting two chefs to progress and cook for the Great British Menu judges and a guest judge at the week's conclusion.
During a recent appearance on BBC's The One Show with presenters Alex Jones and Lauren Laverne, Wang addressed his new position. When asked about stepping into Ed Gamble's shoes, he remarked, "[I've got] big shoes to fill, Ed's shoes - shoes that are full of food. The team have been so nice, Andi and the other judges have been so nice. It's intimidating being a judge alongside two Michelin-star chefs, but I'm very much the voice of the people on the show... It's a jammy gig."
Andi Oliver on the Cinema Theme
Andi Oliver elaborated on the series' cinema theme, explaining, "It's been quite interesting. Each year, the chefs connect to the brief in a different way. This year, there's been a lot of nostalgia. It's been very hopeful, there's a real passion [in] the way they've connected to this theme." She added that the theme has evoked childhood memories and family stories, with dishes inspired by a range of films from blockbusters like James Bond and Batman to smaller, cult indie films.
Oliver praised the chefs, stating, "The chefs have been incredible. The standard is extraordinary. I know I always say it, but every year, they manage to top it. Every year, I'm just amazed all over again."
Recap of Last Year's Success
In the previous series, the starter course was claimed by Sally Abé, while Jean Delport secured the fish and main courses. However, it was dessert victor Amber Francis who was ultimately crowned the Champion of Champions at the banquet.
Great British Menu returns to BBC Two and iPlayer on Tuesday, February 24 at 7pm, while The One Show airs weeknights on BBC One at 7pm.
