MasterChef: The Professionals returns on February 10, 2026, with 32 chefs competing in Birmingham, new judge Matt Tebbutt, and high-pressure challenges.

MasterChef: The Professionals returns for its 18th season on February 10, 2026, premiering on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The show, now filmed in Birmingham, features 32 professional chefs competing for the title. Matt Tebbutt joins Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti as a new judge following Gregg Wallace’s departure. The first episode, hosted by 2016 winner Gary Maclean, includes high-pressure challenges like preparing a saddle of roe deer and a king oyster mushroom katsu curry, with two chefs advancing to the quarter-finals. The series continues its tradition of testing culinary skill, creativity, and resilience.