MasterChef: The Professionals judge confirms exit following one season – but teases future with franchise

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Matt Tebbutt, the TV chef, has announced he won’t be back to judge and host the upcoming season of MasterChef: The Professionals.

James Tebbutt, famous for hosting shows like Saturday Kitchen and Food Unwrapped, became a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals last year, taking over for Gregg Wallace during the show’s eighteenth season.

The Sun newspaper first reported that Tebbutt was removed from the show because producers decided a third judge wasn’t necessary, alongside Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti.

Tebbutt has addressed the recent speculation, clarifying that he originally signed on for just one season of the show. However, he hinted that he might be involved with the series again in the future.

I’ve seen a lot of fans reaching out, and he just posted on Instagram to explain why he won’t be on the next season of MasterChef: The Professionals. It sounds like a lot of people were worried when they heard he wasn’t returning!

I only planned to do one season, but I really enjoyed being a judge and I’m looking forward to continuing my work with MasterChef.

Tebbutt didn’t say how involved he’ll be with the show going forward, but The Sun reports that the show’s producers, Banijay, are planning to have him return as a guest judge from time to time.

A Banijay representative stated that no choices regarding the hosts for upcoming seasons of MasterChef have been finalized and they are not responding to rumors.

James Tebbutt started his television career in 2007 as a guest presenter on Saturday Kitchen. He’s continued in that role as a regular for almost 20 years, and remains on the show following James Martin’s exit.

In addition to his television work, Tebbutt has extensive experience with food, including working in restaurants, writing cookbooks, and regularly contributing to food and travel publications.

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Authors

Phoebe Kowhai BarnesFreelance Writer

Phoebe Kowhai Barnes is a freelance writer specializing in pop culture and entertainment for TopMob. Before that, she was a Senior Assistant Editor at The Tab, where she oversaw their local team. She has a BA (Hons) degree in English Literature from the University of Nottingham.

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2026-03-11 15:34