MasterChef: The Professionals Fans Praise Matt Tebbutt as New Judge for Bringing Fresh Energy and Expertise to the Kitchen in the 18th Season

MasterChef: The Professionals introduced a new judge on Tuesday night as Matt Tebbutt made his first appearance, stepping in after Gregg Wallace’s controversial exit.

Fans were quick to praise the Saturday Kitchen star, describing him as “a breath of fresh air” and “a great addition to the kitchen.”

The 52-year-old chef joined veteran judges Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti for the 18th season, with a range of guest judges set to appear during the early rounds of the competition.

Fans Celebrate Matt’s Debut

During the premiere, Marcus Wareing welcomed Matt warmly, saying, “Good to see you both, new competition, new kitchen, and we have a new judge, welcome Matt!”

Tebbutt replied enthusiastically, “Thank you very much, great to be here, great to be a part of the MasterChef family,” while Marcus joked, “Strap yourself in Matt, this is going to be a journey.”

Viewers took to social media almost immediately, expressing admiration for Matt’s first appearance.

Comments included praise for his professionalism, warmth, and culinary knowledge, with many noting that he fits seamlessly alongside Marcus and Monica.

Fans also expressed relief at the change, contrasting Matt’s calm presence with the style of his predecessor.

At the same time, a few viewers questioned the necessity of having three judges, claiming the format might feel overcrowded, and some argued that the traditional saying “too many cooks spoil the broth” applied to the new setup.

Matt Reflects on the Contestants and Experience

Ahead of the premiere, Matt shared his excitement about joining MasterChef, saying that working alongside Marcus and Monica had been a joy.

Suggested Readings (News continues below)

Former property millionaire Glenn Armstrong is banned from contacting his ex-wife after court hears he is bankrupt and claiming benefits in London

Emails show Prince Andrew persistently requested access to Jeffrey Epstein’s Paris and New York homes, intensifying public scrutiny and calls for investigation

Labour insiders reveal Starmer is too weak to discipline Wes Streeting after Health Secretary publishes private messages with Peter Mandelson in Westminster

Ex-husband of Amy Winehouse, Blake Fielder-Civil, may be unaware of the death of Sarah Aspin, mother of his children, while living in a secluded bedsit in West Yorkshire

He spoke highly of the contestants’ dedication, remarking on how invested they are in their craft and how much progress they make over the course of the competition.

He described the growth from week one to week seven as remarkable, emphasizing that while the show may appear to be just a TV series, it represents a serious career opportunity and personal journey for the chefs involved.

The Circumstances Behind the Judge Changes

Matt’s arrival comes in the wake of serious allegations against Gregg Wallace, who left MasterChef following complaints of misconduct during his time on the amateur version of the show.

An independent investigation upheld multiple allegations, including inappropriate sexual language, jokes, and a single incident of unwelcome physical contact.

Gregg publicly apologized, expressing deep regret for any distress caused and insisting he had no intention to harm anyone.

The shake-up extended to John Torode as well, who stepped down after an investigation confirmed he had used an extremely offensive racist term in the workplace.

While John denied recollection of the incident, the BBC confirmed that the complaint was substantiated and announced that his contract would not be renewed.

Grace Dent and Anna Haugh have since been named as the new hosts of the regular MasterChef series, marking a significant change in the show’s presenting lineup.

What’s Next?

With Matt Tebbutt now part of the judging panel, viewers will be watching to see how he influences both the tone of the show and the development of contestants.

Social media debates about the number of judges and the new format are expected to continue, as fans weigh the benefits of having multiple perspectives against the risk of overcrowding the kitchen.

The BBC and Banijay UK appear committed to maintaining the show’s competitive edge while addressing past controversies, suggesting the upcoming episodes will deliver drama and high-stakes culinary challenges.

Summary

Matt Tebbutt made a strong first impression as the new judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, replacing Gregg Wallace.

Fans praised him for his expertise, calm demeanor, and ability to fit seamlessly alongside Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti.

Some viewers expressed concern about the three-judge format, arguing it could make the show feel overcrowded. Matt highlighted the dedication and growth of contestants throughout the season.

Gregg Wallace and John Torode left the show following misconduct and racial language allegations, paving the way for Grace Dent and Anna Haugh to host the regular MasterChef series.

The season promises a mix of fresh perspectives and high-level culinary competition, with debates about the judging format continuing among viewers.