MasterChef has long been one of the UK’s best-loved cooking competitions, noted for discovering talented chefs but also for delivering excellent celebrity and professional versions and even bringing us a cook-off among the critics (still one of my favourite episodes of TV ever).
Since its relaunch in 2005, the show has been fronted by the familiar duo of Gregg Wallace and John Torode but in recent months, the show has found itself at the centre of controversy following serious allegations involving its long-time hosts. Despite the turbulence and ultimate dismissal of both hosts, the show is returning in 2025 with its pre-recorded series, introducing a new batch of amateur cooks.
Is there a MasterChef 2025?
Yes, MasterChef UK 2025, the 21st series, premiered on Wednesday 6 August 2025. The BBC has opted to air the pre-recorded season in full, out of respect for the contestants who participated. Episodes are being released in batches, with the first three made available immediately on BBC iPlayer. Regular broadcasts are also taking place on BBC One as they have done in previous years.
This decision follows on from the media attention surrounding the future of the show, with the producers ultimately deciding that because the chefs competed in good faith before the controversy surfaced, they should air the series as normal.
What happened to Gregg Wallace and John Torode?
Gregg Wallace and John Torode, who have co-hosted the show for two decades, are no longer part of MasterChef. Gregg Wallace departed after an independent investigation upheld multiple allegations of inappropriate behaviour stretching back several years. While Wallace has not commented in detail, the BBC confirmed it will not be working with him in future.
Subsequently, John Torode also left the show following the outcome of a separate investigation into historic use of offensive language. Though he denied recollection of the incident, the BBC chose not to renew his contract.
Both men are fronting the current 2025 series, which was filmed before the investigations concluded, but Wallace is notably absent from the final few episodes. This marks their final appearance on MasterChef together.
What happens in MasterChef 2025?
As usual, the contestants are divided into groups of 6 for the heats, with only the best advancing to the next round. If the 2025 series follows previous years, 2 heats will be shown each week, followed by a cook-off between the 2 heat winners for a place in the quarter finals.
Expect the contestants to be cooking for former MasterChef winners, food critics and top restauranteurs, as always. There's also likely to be international travel in the latter stages of the competition, though we don't know where, yet.
Will there be another series of Celebrity MasterChef?
At this point, we don't know what will happen with the brand and its many iterations, though it seems sensible to think the BBC would try and rebuild in some way, given its popularity.
What we do know, is that there is a completed Celebrity MasterChef series and a Christmas special, both filmed with John Tororde, and food critic Grace Dent stepping in to replace Wallace. The BBC have not yet decided whether to air these.
Who are the new presenters of MasterChef?
While the 2025 season features Wallace and Torode, possible replacements are already being introduced and though not conformed at all, we could see any of the below lead future series.
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Anna Haugh: Known for her work on Ready Steady Cook and stepping in for Monica Galetti in previous Professional series, Anna replaces Wallace in the final episodes of this year’s competition.
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Grace Dent, a familiar face on Celebrity MasterChef, the food critic fronts the unaired Celebrity MasterChef series with John Torode.
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Other names being considered or rumoured include Matt Tebbutt (Saturday Kitchen) and Andi Oliver (Great British Menu).
Where can I watch MasterChef 2025?
MasterChef is available on BBC One with episodes air weekly on traditional broadcast (usually 3 per week), and BBC iPlayer where three episodes are released at a time, allowing viewers to stream the series at their own pace.
Becky Fuller is a senior digital writer for Yours.co.uk. She is also a fully qualified personal trainer and strength coach, specialising in fitness and wellbeing for over 50s. Prior to joining Yours, Becky was a fitness writer for Saga, and a freelance entertainment and theatre journalist. Becky is passionate about helping people to move well and discover the many benefits of strength training.