Matt Tebbutt Reportedly Removed from MasterChef: The Professionals After Single Series
Television presenter Matt Tebbutt has allegedly been dropped from the judging panel of MasterChef: The Professionals following just one series on the popular BBC cooking competition. The 52-year-old chef joined the show in September 2025 alongside established judges Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti, replacing the controversial Gregg Wallace.
A Short-Lived Tenure on the Culinary Show
Tebbutt made his debut on the current series, which began airing in February 2026, with his appointment initially heralded as a new era for the spin-off program. The production had also moved to a new studio location in Birmingham, adding to the sense of refreshment for the long-running format.
However, according to sources speaking to The Sun, show executives have decided that three was a bit of a crowd and plan to proceed with only Wareing and Galetti leading the next series. This decision comes despite Tebbutt reportedly performing adequately during his time on the program.
Producers Cite Chemistry Between Remaining Judges
The insider explained that producers at Banijay, the company that creates the show for the BBC, recognized the strong chemistry between Wareing and Galetti and determined they could effectively manage the program as a duo. Their chemistry is great and they have a tight relationship, the source noted, suggesting this dynamic made the third judge unnecessary.
Importantly, the source emphasized that Tebbutt didn't do anything wrong and indicated he would likely return as a guest judge in future episodes. The presenter has reportedly taken the news in stride, with MasterChef: The Professionals providing brilliant exposure for him despite the brief tenure.
Official Response and Previous Controversies
When contacted for comment, a Banijay spokesperson stated: No decisions have been made yet about the presenting line up for the future series of MasterChef. We won't comment on speculation. This official statement contrasts with the reports circulating about Tebbutt's departure.
Tebbutt's appointment followed significant controversy involving previous MasterChef hosts. Gregg Wallace and John Torode were removed from the program after an independent review last year substantiated numerous misconduct allegations. Wallace recently discontinued a High Court claim against the BBC, where he sought damages alleging failure to disclose personal data.
Tebbutt's Initial Enthusiasm for the Role
When his casting was announced in autumn 2025, Tebbutt expressed excitement about joining the culinary competition. He called it an absolute honour to be working alongside these two titans of the food world, referring to Wareing and Galetti. On his Saturday Kitchen program, he added: I'm excited that I'm the new judge on MasterChef: The Professionals. It's gonna be great fun, very excited, and I promise I won't mess it up for anyone who is wondering.
The latest series has featured a rotation of guest judges alongside the main panel, a format element that may continue in future installments. As the television industry watches these developments, the future composition of MasterChef: The Professionals remains uncertain despite reports of Tebbutt's departure.
