Masterchef: The Professionals returns tonight for its 18th series on BBC One and there's a major shakeup ahead as the series welcomes new judge Matt Tebbutt.
Following Gregg Wallace's departure from the Masterchef franchise last year, Matt has been recruited to be the new judge alongside professional chefs Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti. The trio will be putting 32 of the country's best professional chefs through their paces in a tough and intense cooking competition.
Over the next seven weeks we'll get to watch the chefs battle it out in a series of challenges, before one of them is crowned, this year's Masterchef: The Professionals champion.
However, before we get there, here's what we know about this season's new judge Matt Tebbutt.
Who is Matt Tebbutt?
Matt Tebbutt is a professional chef and TV presenter, best known for presenting BBC One's Saturday morning show Saturday Kitchen. He's also presented Food Unwrapped on Channel 4 and has appeared on shows including Great British Menu and Drop Down Menu.
Prior to his TV career he ran the restaurant Fox Hunter in South Wales with his wife, however the restaurant is now leased out as a pub.
What has he said about joining Masterchef: The Professionals?
Following Gregg Wallace's departure from Masterchef, it was announced late last year Matt would be replacing Gregg as the host of Masterchef: The Professionals.
Speaking about joining the show, Matt said: "I’m walking through the MasterChef doors for the first time myself and I cannot wait to see the cooking talent this year’s chefs are bringing into the kitchen. I want to be wowed from the off, but it will take some serious work to get through the competition that awaits them.”
How old is Matt Tebbutt?
Matt is 52 years old.
What is Matt's relationship status?
Matt is married to his wife Lisa, whom he has been married to for over 25 years. Speaking about the couple's marriage, Matt revealed while appearing on the Grilled by The Staff Canteen that the couple met after Matt dated Lisa's sister.
"Currently nearly 23 years, it’ll be 24 this year. Well done me, go me. Sometimes it's touch and go let’s be honest, but so far we’re still here," he said in 2023. "I used to go out with her sister – next question!"
The couple have two children - Henry and Jessie.
Does Matt Tebbutt have Instagram?
He sure does! The new Masterchef judge has 136,000 followers on Instagram at the handle @matt.tebbutt where he regularly posts family pictures and photos from his job.
Masterchef The Professionals starts tonight on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 8pm
